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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 1
planning and devising for themselves; their children would be edu-
cated to habits of industry and economy, and the intellect would be
greatly strengthened. They would feel that they are men, not slaves,
and would be able to regain to a great degree their lost self-respect and
moral independence.—
Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of
the Seventh-day Adventists, 165, 166, 1886
. (
The Adventist Home,
373
.)
Self-culture and Dignity—It is important for ministers of Christ
to see the necessity of self-culture in order to adorn their profession and
maintain a becoming dignity. Without mental training they will cer-
tainly fail in everything they undertake.—
Testimonies for the Church
2:500, 501
(1870).
Beware of Self-pity—We need to beware of self-pity. Never in-
dulge the feeling that you are not esteemed as you should be, that
your efforts are not appreciated, that your work is too difficult. Let the
memory of what Christ has endured for us silence every murmuring
thought. We are treated better than was our Lord. “Seekest thou great
things for thyself? seek them not” (
Jeremiah 45:5
).—
The Ministry of
Healing, 476
(1905).
Christ Restores Self-respect—It should not be difficult to remem-
ber that the Lord desires you to lay your troubles and perplexities at
His feet, and leave them there. Go to Him, saying, “Lord, my burdens
are too heavy for me to carry. Wilt Thou bear them for me?” And He
will answer, “I will take them. ‘With everlasting kindness will I have
mercy on thee.’ I will take your sins and will give you peace. Banish
no longer your self-respect; for I have bought you with the price of
My own blood. You are Mine. Your weakened will I will strengthen.
Your remorse for sin I will remove.”—
Letter 2, 1914
(
Testimonies to
Ministers and Gospel Workers, 519, 520
.)
Counsel to One Who Had Lost Self-respect—Jesus loves you,
and He has given me a message for you. His great heart of infinite
[260]
tenderness yearns over you. He sends you the message that you may
recover yourself from the snare of the enemy. You may regain your
self-respect. You may stand where you regard yourself, not as a failure,
but as a conqueror, in and through the uplifting influence of the Spirit
of God. Take hold of the hand of Christ and do not let it go.—
Letter
228, 1903
. (.)