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Be Strong and Courageous, April 26
Exerting a Right Influence
Be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to
do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded
thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou
mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:7
In the history of Joseph, Daniel, and his fellows we see how the
golden chain of truth may bind the youth to the throne of God. They
could not be tempted to turn aside from their course of integrity. They
valued the favor of God far above the favor and praise of princes, and
God loved them, and spread His shield over them. Because of their
faithful integrity, because of their determination to honor God above
every human power, the Lord signally honored them before men. They
were honored by the Lord God of hosts, whose power is over all the
works of His hand in heaven above and the earth beneath. These youth
were not ashamed to display their true colors. Even in the court of the
king, in their words, their habits, their practices, they confessed their
faith in the Lord God of heaven. They refused to bow to any earthly
mandate that detracted from the honor of God. They had strength from
heaven to confess their allegiance to God....
Never be ashamed of your colors; put them up, unfurl them to the
gaze of men and angels.... The world has a right to know just that may
be expected from every intelligent human being. He who is a living
embodiment of firm, decided, righteous principles will be a living power
upon his associates; and he will influence others by his Christianity.
Many do not discern and appreciate how great is the influence of each
one for good or evil....
Your happiness for this life and for the future, immortal life lies with
yourself.... How important it is that everyone shall consider where he is
leading souls. We are in view of the eternal world, and how diligently
we should count the cost of our influence.
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