Chapter 23—One Weak Point
We may flatter ourselves that we are free from many things of
which others are guilty; but if we have some strong points of character,
and but one weak point, there is yet a communion between sin and
the soul. The heart is divided in its service, and says, “Some of self
and some of Thee.” The child of God must search out the sin which he
has petted and indulged himself in, and permit God to cut it out of his
heart. He must overcome that one sin; for it is not a trifling matter in
the sight of God.
One says, “I am not the least jealous, but then I do get provoked
and say mean things, although I am always sorry after giving way to
temper.” Another says, “I have this fault or that, but then I just despise
such and such meanness as is manifested by a certain person of my
acquaintance.” The Lord has not given us a list of graded sins, so that
we may reckon some as of little consequence, and say that they will
do but little harm, while others are of greater magnitude and will do
much harm.
A chain is no stronger than is its weakest link. We might pronounce
such a chain good on the whole, but if one link is weak the chain cannot
be depended on. The work of overcoming is to be the study of every
soul who enters the kingdom of God. That impatient word quivering
on your lips must be left unspoken. That thought that your character
is not rightly estimated must be put from you; for it weakens your
[92]
influence, and works out the sure result, making you of light estimation
in the minds of others. You should overcome the idea that you are a
martyr, and lay claim to the promise of Christ, who says, “My grace is
sufficient for thee.”—
The Review and Herald, August 1, 1893
.
Thought Control
You should keep off from Satan’s enchanted ground, and not allow
your minds to be swayed from allegiance to God. Through Christ you
may and should be happy, and should acquire habits of self-control.
85