Healthy Normality
45
of God. We are to present in clear, distinct lines the need of obeying
this law. Its principles must be kept before the people. They are as
everlasting and inexorable as God Himself.—
The Ministry of Healing,
129
(1905).
Well-balanced Minds Needed—Much is said in the Epistles of
being sound in the faith. This should teach us the necessity of caution.
We must not weave into our experience our own inclinations and strong
traits of character. This will misrepresent the precious, elevating,
ennobling principles of truth and lead others astray. Soundness in the
faith means more than many discern. It means to correct every error
that exists in our thoughts and actions, lest we corrupt the Word of
God.
There are needed for this time well-balanced minds, healthy, whole-
some Christians. Many of those who profess Christ have a sickly
experience. They cannot bear anything unfavorable. They lose heart if
they think they are in any way slighted or hurt, if their brethren have
not been as tender with them as they think they should be. The Great
Physician would, by His infinite skill, restore them to sound moral
[50]
health; but the patient refuses to take the prescription He offers. These
persons may apply the Word of God to their case for a short time,
but they do not become doers of that Word. They soon come under
influences which suit their natural tastes and counteract all they have
gained.—
The Review and Herald, July 28, 1896
.
All Faculties to Be Cultivated—If certain faculties are used to
the neglect of others, the design of God is not fully carried out in
us, for all the faculties have a bearing and are dependent, in a great
measure, upon one another. One cannot be effectually used without the
operation of all, that the balance may be carefully preserved. If all the
attention and strength are given to one, while others lie dormant, the
development is strong in that one and will lead to extremes, because all
the powers have not been cultivated. Some minds are dwarfed and not
properly balanced. All minds are not naturally constituted alike. We
have varied minds; some are strong upon certain points and very weak
upon others. These deficiencies, so apparent, need not and should not
exist.
If those who possess them would strengthen the weak points
in their character by cultivation and exercise, they would become
strong.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:33
(1872).