Principles of Motivation
273
An Aimless Life a Living Death—An aimless life is a living
death. The mind should dwell upon themes relating to our eternal
interests. This will be conducive to health of body and mind.—
The
Review and Herald, July 29, 1884
. (
Counsels on Health, 51
.)
Fungus Roots on Aimlessness—One of the chief causes of mental
inefficiency and moral weakness is the lack of concentration for worthy
ends. We pride ourselves on the wide distribution of literature; but the
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multiplication of books, even books that in themselves are not harmful,
may be a positive evil....
A large share of the periodicals and books that, like the frogs of
Egypt, are overspreading the land are not merely commonplace, idle,
and enervating, but unclean and degrading. Their effect is not merely
to intoxicate and ruin the mind but to corrupt and destroy the soul.
The mind, the heart, that is indolent, aimless, falls an easy prey to
evil. It is on diseased, lifeless organisms that fungus roots. It is the
idle mind that is Satan’s workshop. Let the mind be directed to high
and holy ideals, let the life have a noble aim, an absorbing purpose,
and evil finds little foothold.—
Education, 189, 190
(1903).
Aimlessness a Predisposing Cause of Intemperance—In order
to reach the root of intemperance we must go deeper than the use of
alcohol or tobacco. Idleness, lack of aim, or evil associations may be
the predisposing cause.—
Education, 202, 203
(1903).
Few Evils More to Be Dreaded—Few evils are more to be
dreaded than indolence and aimlessness. Yet the tendency of most
athletic sports is a subject of anxious thought to those who have at
heart the well-being of the youth.... They stimulate the love of pleasure
and excitement, thus fostering a distaste for useful labor, a disposition
to shun practical duties and responsibilities. They tend to destroy
a relish for life’s sober realities and its tranquil enjoyments. Thus
the door is opened to dissipation and lawlessness, with their terrible
results.—
Education, 210, 211
(1903).
No One to Live an Aimless Life—Every soul is to minister. He is
to use every physical, moral, and mental power—through sanctification
of the Spirit—that he may be a laborer together with God. All are
bound to devote themselves actively and unreservedly to God’s service.
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They are to cooperate with Jesus Christ in the great work of helping
others. Christ died for every man. He has ransomed every man by
giving His life on the cross. This He did that man might no longer live