Chapter 31—Importance of Character
The Only Treasure Taken From This World—A character
formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can
take from this world to the next. Those who are under the instruction
of Christ in this world will take every divine attainment with them to
the heavenly mansions. And in heaven we are continually to improve.
How important, then, is the development of character in this life
True Character a Quality of the Soul—Mental ability and ge-
nius are not character, for these are often possessed by those who have
the very opposite of a good character. Reputation is not character.
True character is a quality of the soul, revealing itself in the conduct
A good character is a capital of more value than gold or silver. It is
unaffected by panics or failures, and in that day when earthly posses-
sions shall be swept away, it will bring rich returns. Integrity, firmness,
and perseverance are qualities that all should seek earnestly to culti-
vate; for they clothe the possessor with a power which is irresistible—a
power which makes him strong to do good, strong to resist evil, strong
to bear adversity
Its Two Essential Elements—Strength of character consists of
two things—power of will and power of self-control. Many youth
mistake strong, uncontrolled passion for strength of character; but the
truth is that he who is mastered by his passions is a weak man. The
real greatness and nobility of the man is measured by his powers to
subdue his feelings, not by the power of his feelings to subdue him.
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The strongest man is he who, while sensitive to abuse, will yet restrain
passion and forgive his enemies
More Necessary Than Outward Show—If it were considered as
important that the young possess a beautiful character and amiable
disposition as it is that they imitate the fashions of the world in dress
1
Christ’s Object Lessons, 332
.
2
The Youth’s Instructor, November 3, 1886
.
3
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 225, 226
.
4
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 222
.
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