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Love Not the World, March 8
Living by Principle Not Inclination
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that
is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the
pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1 John 2:15, 16
The youth living in this age will have a stern battle to fight if they
make right principles their rule of action. It is the highest effort of a large
class in society to do as others do, to shape their course according to the
world’s standard. Like the empty bubble or the worthless weed, they drift
with the current. They have no individuality, no moral independence.
The approval of the world is of more value to them than the approval
of God or the esteem of those whom He esteems. Their only motive or
rule of action is policy. As they do not value truth or act from principle,
no dependence can be placed upon them. They are the sport of Satan’s
temptations. They have no true respect for themselves and no real
happiness in life. This class are to be pitied for their weakness and folly,
and their example should be shunned by all who desire to be truly worthy
of respect. But instead of this, their society is too often courted, and they
seem to exert a fascinating power, well-nigh impossible to break....
In forming your opinions and choosing your associates let reason and
the fear of God be your guide. Be firm in your purpose here, regardless
of the opinions which others may entertain concerning you. When
God’s requirements lead you to an opposite course from that which your
associates are pursuing, go resolutely forward, whether you follow many
or few. Whatever God’s Word condemns, that reject even though the
whole world adopt and advocate it....
Those who are drifting with the tide, who love pleasure and self-
indulgence, and choose the easier way, regardless of principle so long as
their desires are gratified—these will never stand with the overcomers
around the great white throne.
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