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All in God’s Plan, March 13
The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is
understanding.
Job 28:28
.
Joseph’s checkered life was not an accident; it was ordered of Providence.
But how was he enabled to make such a record of firmness of character, upright-
ness and wisdom? It was the result of careful training in his early years. He
had consulted duty rather than inclination; and the purity and simple trust of
the boy bore fruit in the deeds of the man. The most brilliant talents are of no
value unless they are improved; industrious habits and force of character must
be gained by cultivation. A high moral character and fine mental qualities are
not the result of accident. God gives opportunities; success depends upon the
use made of them. The openings of Providence must be quickly discerned and
eagerly seized upon
Not to the people of Egypt alone, but to all the nations connected with that
powerful kingdom, God manifested Himself through Joseph. He desired to make
him a light bearer to all peoples, and He placed him next the throne of the world’s
greatest empire, that the heavenly illumination might extend far and near
There are few who realize the influence of the little things of life upon the
development of character. Nothing with which we have to do is really small.
The varied circumstances that we meet day by day are designed to test our
faithfulness and to qualify us for greater trusts. By adherence to principle in the
transactions of ordinary life, the mind becomes accustomed to hold the claims
of duty above those of pleasure and inclination. Minds thus disciplined are not
wavering between right and wrong, like the reed trembling in the wind; they
are loyal to duty because they have trained themselves to habits of fidelity and
truth. By faithfulness in that which is least they acquire strength to be faithful in
greater matters. An upright character is of greater worth than the gold of Ophir.
Without it none can rise to an honorable eminence. But character is not inherited.
It cannot be bought. Moral excellence and fine mental qualities are not the result
of accident. The most precious gifts are of no value unless they are improved
[79]
18
Testimonies for the Church 5:321
.
19
Testimonies for the Church 6:219
.
20
Patriarchs and Prophets, 222, 223
.
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