Chapter 32—How Character is Formed
Attained by Persevering, Untiring Effort—Character does not
come by chance. It is not determined by one outburst of temper, one
step in the wrong direction. It is the repetition of the act that causes it
to become habit, and molds the character either for good or for evil.
Right characters can be formed only by persevering, untiring effort,
by improving every entrusted talent and capability to the glory of God.
Instead of doing this, many allow themselves to drift wherever impulse
or circumstances may carry them. This is not because they are lacking
in good material, but because they do not realize that in their youth
God wants them to do their very best
Our first duty to God and our fellow beings is in self-development.
Every faculty with which the Creator has endowed us should be culti-
vated to the highest degree of perfection, that we may be able to do the
greatest amount of good of which we are capable. In order to purify
and refine our characters, we need the grace given us of Christ that will
enable us to see and correct our deficiencies and improve that which is
excellent in our characters
By Cultivating God-given Powers—To a great extent everyone
is the architect of his own character. Every day the structure more
nearly approaches completion. The Word of God warns us to take heed
how we build, to see that our building is founded upon the Eternal
Rock. The time is coming when our work will stand revealed just
as it is. Now is the time for all to cultivate the powers that God has
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given them, that they may form characters for usefulness here and for
a higher life hereafter.
Faith in Christ as a personal Saviour will give strength and solidity
to the character. Those who have genuine faith in Christ will be sober-
minded, remembering that God’s eye is upon them, that the Judge
1
The Youth’s Instructor, July 27, 1899
.
2
Pacific Health Journal, April 1890
.
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