Chapter 13—Food for the Mind
Wise Improvement Versus Abuse—God bestows upon us talents
for wise improvement, not for abuse. Education is but a preparation of
the physical, intellectual, and moral powers for the best performance
of all the duties of life. Improper reading gives an education that is
false. The power of endurance and the strength and activity of the
brain may be lessened or increased according to the manner in which
they are employed.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:498
(1880).
Healthful Food for the Mind—Pure healthful reading will be to
the mind what healthful food is to the body. You will thus become
stronger to resist temptation, to form right habits, and to act upon right
principles.—
The Review and Herald, December 26, 1882
. (
Sons and
Daughters of God, 178
.)
Guard the Avenues of the Soul—We have a work to do to resist
temptation. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices must
guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or
hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts.
The mind should not be left to wander at random upon every subject
that the adversary of souls may suggest. “Girding up the loins of your
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mind,” says the apostle Peter, “be sober, ... not fashioning yourselves
according to your former lusts in ... your ignorance: but like as He
which called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of
living” (
1 Peter 1:13-15
, RV).
Says Paul, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are hon-
est, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any
virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (
Philippians
4:8
). This will require earnest prayer and unceasing watchfulness.
We must be aided by the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which
will attract the mind upward, and habituate it to dwell on pure and
holy things. And we must give diligent study to the Word of God.
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed
thereto according to Thy Word.” “Thy Word,” says the psalmist, “have
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