Emotional Factors
103
pendix B, 811, “Implicit Trust Irrespective of Changes in Emotional
Atmosphere.”
]—God’s children are not to be subject to feelings and
[127]
emotions. When they fluctuate between hope and fear, the heart of
Christ is hurt; for He has given them unmistakable evidence of His
love.... He wants them to do the work He has given them; then their
hearts will become in His hands as sacred harps, every chord of which
will send forth praise and thanksgiving to the One sent by God to take
away the sins of the world.—
Letter 2, 1914
(
Testimonies to Ministers
and Gospel Workers, 518, 519
.)
Christ Gives Mastery Over Natural Inclinations—Christ came
to this world and lived the law of God that man might have perfect
mastery over the natural inclinations which corrupt the soul. The
Physician of soul and body, He gives victory over warring lusts. He
has provided every facility, that man may possess completeness of
character.—
The Ministry of Healing, 130, 131
(1905).
The Rapture of Feeling No Evidence of Conversion—Satan
leads people to think that because they have felt a rapture of feel-
ing, they are converted. But their experience does not change. Their
actions are the same as before. Their lives show no good fruit. They
pray often and long and are constantly referring to the feelings they
had at such a time. But they do not live the new life. They are de-
ceived. Their experience goes no deeper than feeling. They build
upon the sand, and when adverse winds come, their house is swept
away.—
The Youth’s Instructor, September 26, 1901
. (
The S.D.A.
Bible Commentary 4:1164
.)
Feelings of Unrest Sometimes Good—Feelings of unrest and
homesickness or loneliness may be for your good. Your heavenly
Father means to teach you to find in Him the friendship and love and
consolation that will satisfy your most earnest hopes and desires....
Your only safety and happiness are in making Christ your constant
counselor. You can be happy in Him if you had not another friend in
the wide world.—
Letter 2b, 1874
(HC 259.)
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The Lord Wants to Disturb Minds—Christ sees men so ab-
sorbed in worldly cares and business perplexities that they have no
time to become acquainted with Him. To them heaven is a strange
place, for they have lost it out of their reckoning. Not familiar with
heavenly things, they tire of hearing about them. They dislike to have
their minds disturbed concerning their needs of salvation, preferring to