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Diligent Heart Keeping Essential to Growth in Grace,
April 2
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23
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Diligent heart-keeping is essential to a healthy growth in grace. The
heart in its natural state is a habitation for unholy thoughts and sinful
passions. When brought into subjection to Christ, it must be cleansed by
the Spirit from all defilement. This can not be done without the consent of
the individual.
When the soul has been cleansed, it is the duty of the Christian to keep
it undefiled. Many seem to think that the religion of Christ does not call
for the abandonment of daily sins, the breaking loose from habits which
have held the soul in bondage. They renounce some things condemned by
the conscience, but they fail to represent Christ in the daily life. They do
not bring Christlikeness into the home. They do not show a thoughtful care
in their choice of words. Too often, fretful, impatient words are spoken,
words which stir the worst passions of the human heart. Such ones need
the abiding presence of Christ in the soul. Only in His strength can they
keep guard over the words and actions. In the work of heart-keeping we
must be instant in prayer, unwearied in petitioning the throne of grace for
assistance. Those who take the name of Christian should come to God in
earnestness and humility, pleading for help. The Saviour has told us to pray
without ceasing. The Christian can not always be in the position of prayer,
but his thoughts and desires can always be upward. Our self-confidence
would vanish, did we talk less and pray more
The affections should center upon God. Contemplate His greatness,
His mercy and excellences. Let His goodness and love and perfection of
character captivate your heart
The Saviour of the world loves to have children and youth give their
hearts to Him
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4
The Youth’s Instructor, March 5, 1903
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5
The Review and Herald, March 29, 1870
.
6
The Youth’s Instructor, August 10, 1893
.
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