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The Loveliness of Christian Character, April 23
In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a
diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people.
Isaiah 28:5
.
Many seem to think only of the outward adorning, and they make
it evident that they are not in Christ by the apparel in which they deck
themselves
We are to cultivate the loveliness of Christian character, and to seek the
inward adorning.... The religion of Christ never degrades the receiver; it
ennobles and elevates. Upon certain conditions we are assured that we may
become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Is not
this exaltation something worth seeking for? Through faith in Christ and
obedience to the requirements of His law we are offered a life that shall
run parallel with the life of God. And in that immortal life there shall be
no sorrow, no sighing, no pain, no sin, no death. O that we might be more
heavenly-minded and bring more of heaven into our life and conversation!
But with all the rich promises of God, how many seem wholly absorbed
in the things of earth. They are all taken up with the thought of what shall
we eat, what shall we drink, and wherewithal shall we be clothed? God
would not have us center our minds upon the things of this world. We are
not to seek for our selfish gratification, but to center the mind upon Christ.
Are you separating yourself from everything that will separate you from
God? If you are in close connection with God you will talk of Him, you
will have an abundance in your heart of the things of heaven....
The Lord is waiting to do great things for His children who trust in
Him. Do we expect to dwell with Christ in the eternal world? Then we
must dwell with Him here, that He may help us in every time of trial and
temptation and make us ready for His coming in the clouds of heaven....
The beauty and grace of Christ must be woven into our characters. We
cannot keep Christ so apart from our lives as we do, and yet be fitted for
His companionship in heaven. He is to be the all in all of heaven, and must
be our all in all upon earth
[120]
33
The Review and Herald, May 5, 1891
.
34
Ibid
.
120