Chapter 4—Sermon at Loma Linda University

Preview

In this selection Ellen White is specifically addressing parents. Notice this up-to-date comment she makes about daughters trying to persuade their mothers to let them wear the latest exotic fashions: “Will you [the parents] allow them to tease this thing out of you, letting them mold you instead of molding them according to the principles of the gospel?” Clearly, some issues haven't changed in parent-child relationships!PCP 35.1

Adventists are sometimes perceived to be legalists. To support this criticism individuals will point to our church's dress standards. Yet Ellen White's comments on dress do not suggest legalism of any kind. Instead, the basic elements of the gospel are vividly present: humility, not drawing attention to oneself, concern for others’ feelings and needs, quality, taste, natural elegance. The question of dress reveals the foundation principles of Christianity.PCP 35.2

Two other challenging questions receive attention in this reading: How should we discipline our children? And what is the relation of what we do in this present life to our future living in heaven?PCP 35.3