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No Excuse for Failure, August 29
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is
begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him
not.
1 John 5:18
.
Many fail to recognize the claims that God has upon them. They profess
to be sons and daughters of God, but they do not behave as children of
God. They argue that their evil habits and customs which they followed
when they served under the black banner of the prince of darkness must be
excused on the ground of their weakness, while they claim that “it is their
way.” ... Their objectionable hereditary traits of character they choose to
retain as idols.
When a soul is truly converted, old habits and natural evil besetments
are done away in Christ Jesus and all things become new. Among those
who profess to be servants of Christ an earnest purpose should be cultivated,
such as Daniel manifested in the courts of Babylon. He knew that God was
his strength and his shield, his front guard and his rear guard. Amid the
corruptions that surrounded him in the courts of Babylon he kept himself
free from those sights and sounds which would allure him and draw him
into temptation. When his duties required that he be present at scenes
of revelry, intemperance, and basest idolatry, he cultivated the habit of
silent prayer, and thus he was kept by the power of God. To have the mind
uplifted to God will be a benefit in all times and in all places....
Let the soul cultivate the habit of contemplating the world’s Redeemer....
Help has been laid upon One that is mighty. Jesus has given His life, that
every soul might have abundant help in Him....
Will you who read these words resolve that you will never again seek
to excuse your defects of character by saying, “It is my way”? Let no one
declare, “I cannot change my natural habits and tendencies.” The truth
must be admitted into the soul, and it will work the sanctification of the
character. It will refine and elevate the life, and fit you for an entrance into
the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love Him
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The Youth’s Instructor, June 7, 1894.
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