Rewards From Perseverance

Planning is needed. Perseverance is required. But the benefits that come from regular family study are well worth it. (Proverbs 22:6; 3John 4) Franz and Hilda, in Germany, raised a family of 11 children. Years late, their daughter Magdalena said: "What I consider of most importance today is that there was not a single day that passed without our receiving some spiritual instruction." when the spirit of nationalism became intense under Adolf Hitler, Magdalena's father used the Bible to prepare his family for the tests that he realized were coming. In time, the younger family members were seized and taken to a reform school; others of the family were arrested and held in prisons and concentration camps. Some were executed. The faith of all of them held firm-not only during that time of fierce persecution, but also for the survivors during the years that followed.

Many single parents, as well as those whose mates do not share their faith, have likewise provided their children with regular Bible instruction. A single mother, a widow, in India worked hard to instill love for Jehovah in her two children. Her two children. Her heart was broken, however, when her son stopped associating with Jehovah's people. She begged Jehovah to forgive her for any shortcomings in her training of her son. But the son had not really forgotten what he had learned. After more than a decade, he returned, made fine spiritual progress, and became a congregation elder. Now he and his wife serve as a full-time pioneer ministers How grateful are those parents who have taken to heart the counsel from Jehovah and his organization to provide regular Bible instruction within the family circle! Are you applying that counsel in your household?

Next time: Families, Praise God As Part Of His Congregation