Chapter 60—Conflict and Conformity
Conflict Rightly Met Develops Steadfastness—Through conflict
the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop stead-
fastness of character and precious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of
faith, meekness, and love often matures best amid storm clouds and
darkness.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 61
(1900).
Waging a War—It is not mimic battles in which we are engaged.
We are waging a warfare upon which hang eternal results. We have
unseen enemies to meet. Evil angels are striving for the dominion of
every human being.—
The Ministry of Healing, 128
(1905).
Conflicts Not Created by Christ—We are living in a solemn
time. An important work is to be done for our own souls and for
the souls of others, or we shall meet with an infinite loss. We must
be transformed by the grace of God, or we shall fail of heaven, and
through our influence others will fail with us.
Let me assure you that the struggles and conflicts which must be
endured in the discharge of duty, the self-denials and sacrifices which
must be made if we are faithful to Christ, are not created by Him. They
are not imposed by arbitrary or unnecessary command; they do not
[556]
come from the severity of the life which He requires us to lead in His
service. Trials would exist in greater power and number were we to
refuse obedience to Christ and become the servants of Satan and the
slaves of sin.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:557, 558
(1881).
Life Is a Conflict—This life is a conflict, and we have a foe who
never sleeps, who is watching constantly to destroy our minds and
lure us away from our precious Saviour, who has given His life for
us.—
Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 291
(1915).
Prepare the Soul for Peace—The Lord permits conflicts to pre-
pare the soul for peace.—
The Great Controversy, 663
(1888).
Religious Experience Gained Only Through Conflict—With
energy and fidelity our youth should meet the demands upon them, and
this will be a guarantee of success. Young men who have never made
a success in the temporal duties of life will be equally unprepared to
146