Working in Unity

I would that parents had sanctified intelligence, that they might see the necessity of working in unity. The husband, wife, and children are a firm. They should look upon themselves as God's agents who are to work together intelligently, regarding the family as a divine institution. The parents are to instruct their children wisely, and patiently, teaching them line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. With faith and perseverance they are to educate, train, and discipline, requiring their children to be obedient, allowing no disrespect. Thus the seeds of reverence and respect for the heavenly Father are sown. The home should be a preparatory school, where children and youth may be fitted to do service for the Master, preparatory to joining the higher school in the kingdom of God.1NL 93.3

Parents need to remember that they occupy the place of God to their children. Just as you deal with your children, parents, so will God deal with you. Their lack of experience is to be supplied by wise precepts and godly practice. This work is to begin in their early years, when the heart is tender and impressible, and is to be carried forward step by step. Every word, every action, of the parents is to be an object lesson of the right kind. They should not act impulsively, but as though realizing that God sees them, that the heavenly universe witnesses every act when dealing with each other and with their children.1NL 93.4

Children are the Lord's heritage, purchased by the blood of the only-begotten Son of God. With intense interest heavenly intelligences watch to see how children are dealt with by their parents, guardians, and teachers. And what strange management they witness at times, when father and mother disagree, and express their variance by words and actions.1NL 93.5

Sometimes the father casts reflections on the mother. He sternly disciplines the children, as if to disparage the mother's tenderness and love. Because of this the mother thinks she must bestow on them increased affection, and gratify and indulge their inclinations. Thus she seeks to counteract the father's impatience and severity; but oh, how God is dishonored. The family is demoralized, and the children are confused in regard to true discipline and correct education.1NL 94.1