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Obedience an Element of Greatness, September 15
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Ephesians 6:1
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Jesus has given to childhood and youth a perfect example. Study the
Pattern, Christ Jesus, and copy it if you would be like Him—pure, holy,
sinless, and undefiled. Study the childhood of Christ. He was the Son of
God, yet the Bible record tells us He returned from Jerusalem and was
subject unto His parents....
Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, did as He was told even if the task was
not agreeable to His feelings. Obedience is an element of true greatness.
No one can be truly good and great who has not learned to obey with
alacrity....
When tempted to have your own way in regard to the wishes of your
parents, say, “No; Jesus was subject to His parents.” Ask help of Jesus,
who knows the temptations of every child, of every youth, for He has been
tempted and knows your every weakness and will help you to overcome
it....
Seek to be useful, to help your parents; to be care-taking and thought-
ful. You can help them in a variety of ways.... Doing what you can do
cheerfully, with quick step, your face bright with gladness because you
can do something for your parents to lighten their load, will make you a
blessing in the house....
All these little duties faithfully done are entered upon the ledger of
heaven.... God will make no mistakes; He will make an accurate entry of
all your life duties done to His glory. So never frown but always carry
a cheerful, happy face, a ready hand to help, an attentive ear to hear the
requirements, and a heart to obey, a quick sympathy for those who need
help....
Remember your characters are not finished; you are building up day
by day a character. Weave all the kindness, obedience, thoughtfulness,
painstaking, and love into it you can. Make it after the divine model.
Educate yourselves that you may possess the ornament of a meek and
quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price. You can make the
world better by living in it if you only do the very best you can.
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