Chapter 45—The Character that God Approves
The youth need to be instructed, carefully and prayerfully, that they
may build their characters upon the abiding foundation. The reason so
many make grievous blunders is that they do not heed the teachings
of experience. The counsel of parents and teachers is lost upon them,
and they yield to the temptations of the enemy. God loves the youth.
He sees in them great possibilities for good, if they will realize their
need of Christ, and build upon the sure foundation. He also knows
their trials. He knows that they will have to battle against the powers
of darkness that strive to gain control of the human mind; and He has
opened the way by which young men and young women may become
partakers of the divine nature....
Persevering Effort Required
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 intrusted 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.
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If the youth today would stand as Daniel stood, they must put to
the stretch every spiritual nerve and muscle. The Lord does not desire
that they shall remain novices. He wishes them to reach the highest
point of excellence. He desires them to reach the very highest round
of the ladder, that they may step from it into the kingdom of God.
Influence of Associates
The youth who leave their homes, and are no longer under the
watch-care of their parents, are to a large extent left to choose their
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