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Messages to Young People
Self-Denial Pleasing to God
Learn the lesson of self-denial, and teach it to your children. All
that can be saved by self-denial is needed now in the work to be done.
The suffering must be relieved, the naked clothed, the hungry fed; the
truth for this time must be told to those who know it not....
We are Christ’s witnesses, and we are not to allow worldly interests
so to absorb our time and attention that we pay no heed to the things
that God has said must come first. There are higher interests at stake.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Christ gave
His all to the work that He came to do, and His word to us is, “If
any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow Me.” “So shall ye be My disciples.” Willingly and
cheerfully Christ gave Himself to the carrying out of the will of God.
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He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Shall we
feel it a hardship to deny ourselves? Shall we draw back from being
partakers of His sufferings? His death ought to stir every fiber of the
being, making us willing to consecrate to His work all that we have
and are. As we think of what He has done for us, our hearts should be
filled with love.
When those who know the truth practice the self-denial enjoined
in God’s word, the message will go with power. The Lord will hear
our prayers for the conversion of souls. God’s people will let their
light shine forth, and unbelievers, seeing their good works, will glorify
our heavenly Father.—
The Review and Herald, December 1, 1910
.
The Love of Display
The love of display produces extravagance, and in many young
people kills the aspiration for a nobler life. Instead of seeking an
education, they early engage in some occupation to earn money for
indulging the passion for dress. And through this passion many a
young girl is beguiled to ruin.—
Education, 247
.
Puritan Plainness
Puritan plainness and simplicity should mark the dwellings and
apparel of all who believe the solemn truths for this time. All means
needlessly expended in dress or in the adorning of our houses is a