Chapter 21—Parental Responsibility God has permitted the light of health reform to shine upon us in these last days, that by walking in the light we may escape many of the dangers to which we shall be exposed. Satan is working with great power to lead men to indulge appetite, gratify inclination, and spend their days in heedless folly. He presents attractions in a life of selfish enjoyment and of sensual indulgence. Intemperance saps the energies of both mind and body. He who is thus overcome has placed himself upon Satan's ground, where he will be tempted and annoyed, and finally controlled at pleasure by the enemy of all righteousness. Parents need to be impressed with their obligation to give to the world children having well-developed characters,—children who will have moral power to resist temptation, and whose life will be an honor to God and a blessing to their fellowmen. Those who enter upon active life with firm principles, will be prepared to stand unsullied amid the moral po…
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
Both passages highlight the influence of Satan and the need for vigilance against his temptations. EGW describes Satan's tactics of indulgence and sensual pleasure, while 1 Peter warns of his predatory nature. Both emphasize the importance of resisting Satan's influence to avoid spiritual harm.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Both passages address the spiritual battle against evil forces. EGW describes Satan's influence leading to intemperance and moral compromise, while Ephesians speaks of wrestling against spiritual wickedness. Both emphasize the reality of a spiritual struggle beyond the physical realm.
All the lessons of which I have spoken in this article are needed. If properly heeded, they will be like a bulwark that will preserve our children from the evils which are flooding the world. We want temperance at our tables. We want houses where the God-given sunlight and the pure air of heaven are welcomed. We want a cheerful, happy influence in our homes. We must cultivate useful habits in our children, and must instruct them in the things of God. It costs something to do all this. It costs prayers and tears, and patient, oft-repeated instruction. We are sometimes put to our wit's end to know what to do; but we can take the children to God in our prayers, pleading that they may be kept from evil, praying, “Now, Lord, do thy work; soften and subdue the hearts of our children,” and he will hear us. He hearkens to the prayers of the weeping, careworn mothers. When Christ was on earth, the burdened mothers brought their children to him; they thought that if he would lay his hands upon t…
"But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
Ellen White directly references Mark 10:14 in this passage.
"And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth."
Ellen White directly references John 17:19 in this passage.
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of Ephesians 6:4, which encourages parents to nurture and instruct their children in the ways of the Lord. EGW emphasizes the importance of prayer, instruction, and creating a positive home environment, all aligning with the biblical call to raise children in 'the nurture and admonition of the Lord.'