“The child Samuel grew on, and was in favor both with the Lord, and also with men.” “It was his constant endeavor to become what God would have him. This is the privilege of every youth. God is pleased when even little children give themselves to His service.” (1 Samuel 2:26; Patriarchs and Prophets, 573)
What a thought to encourage us to work for the conversion of even our little ones. Now we must put our faith into actions and work for their salvation. It is quite interesting how we are counseled to prepare our children to be useful agents of the Lord in this life. We are counseled to teach our children how to work—how to be diligent workers. We can learn the blessing that work is for children in so many stories and one of those is the story of the child Samuel. “Young as he was when brought to minister in the tabernacle, Samuel had even then duties to perform in the service of God, according to his capacity. These were at first very humble, and not always pleasant; but they were performed to the best of his ability, and with a willing heart. His religion was carried into every duty of life. He regarded himself as God’s servant, and his work as God’s work. His efforts were accepted, because they were prompted by love to and a sincere desire to do His will. It was thus that Samuel became a co-worker with the Lord of heaven and earth. And God fitted him to accomplish a great work for Israel.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 573)
Can we train our children to be faithful like Samuel? Can we train them to cheerfully carry their lot in life, no matter what their age? Can we train them to regard work as service unto the Lord? “If children were taught to regard the humble round of everyday duties as the course marked out for them by the Lord, as a school in which they were to be trained to render faithful and efficient service, how much more pleasant and honorable would their work appear. To perform every duty as unto the Lord, throws a charm around the humblest employment and links the workers on earth with the holy beings who do God’s will in heaven.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 574)
Sometimes it’s difficult to train children to work. Sometimes it’s easier for parents to just do the work themselves. Why should we put so much effort into teaching them how to do their work with thoroughness and diligence? “Success in this life, success in gaining the future life, depends upon a faithful, conscientious attention to the little things. Perfection is seen in the least, no less than in the greatest, of the works of God. The hand that hung the worlds in space is the hand that wrought with delicate skill the lilies of the field. And as God is perfect in His sphere, so we are to be perfect in ours. The symmetrical structure of a strong, beautiful character is built up by individual acts of duty. And faithfulness should characterize our life in the least as well as in the greatest of its details. Integrity in little things, the performance of little acts of fidelity and little deeds of kindness, will gladden the path of life; and when our work on earth is ended, it will be found that every one of the little duties faithfully performed has exerted an influence for good–an influence that can never perish.” (Ibid.) God appointed work as a blessing, and only the diligent worker finds the true glory and joy of life. (Desire of Ages, 72)
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to prepare our children to be Samuels? It’s possible and it’s needed. “The youth of our time may become as precious in the sight of God as was Samuel. By faithfully maintaining their Christian integrity, they may exert a strong influence in the work of reform. Such men are needed at this time. God has a work for every one of them. Never did men achieve greater results for God and humanity than may be achieved in this our day by those who will be faithful to their God-given trust.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 574.)
As we’re planning out our children’s learning for the next day, week, month or year, let us not forget to include learning to work. We want our children to be successful in this life and the life to come.
The Adventist Home Educator 