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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 1
unseen world are all around them, and by looking unto Jesus they will
become assimilated to His image. By beholding they become changed
to the divine pattern; their character is softened, refined, and ennobled
for the heavenly kingdom.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:616
(1881).
Selective Perception—God does not wish us to hear all that is to
be heard or to see all that is to be seen. It is a great blessing to close the
ears that we hear not, and the eyes that we see not. The greatest anxiety
should be to have clear eyesight to discern our own shortcomings and
a quick ear to catch all needed reproof and instruction, lest by our
inattention and carelessness we let them slip and become forgetful
hearers and not doers of the work.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:707,
708
(1868).
Keeping Powers of Perception Alert—If you are called upon
to attend a council meeting, ask yourself whether your perceptive
faculties are in a proper condition to weigh evidence. If you are not
in a proper condition, if your brain is confused, you have no right to
take part in the meeting. Are you fractious? Is your temper sweet and
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fragrant, or is it so disturbed and disagreeable that you will be led to
make hasty decisions? Do you feel as though you would like to fight
someone? Then do not go to the meeting; for if you go you will surely
dishonor God.
Take an ax and chop wood or engage in some physical exercise
until your spirit is mild and easy to be entreated. Just as surely as your
stomach is creating a disturbance in your brain, your words will create
a disturbance in the assembly. More trouble is caused by disturbed
digestive organs than many realize.—
Manuscript 62, 1900.
(.)
Perception Influenced by Physical Habits Controlled by Con-
science—Those who would have clear minds to discern Satan’s de-
vices must have their physical appetites under the control of reason
and conscience. The moral and vigorous action of the higher powers
of the mind are essential to the perfection of Christian character. And
the strength or the weakness of the mind has very much to do with our
usefulness in this world and with our final salvation.—
The Review and
Herald, September 8, 1874
. (
Messages to Young People, 236, 237
.)
Exercise Improves Perception—Brain and muscle must be taxed
proportionately if health and vigor are to be maintained. The youth
can then bring to the study of the Word of God healthy perception
and well-balanced nerves. They will have wholesome thoughts and