Communication
167
imaginary.”—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 255
(July 6,
1902).
Living and Talking Above Our Environment—Although there
is iniquity all around us, we should not approach it. Do not talk of the
iniquity and wickedness that are in the world but elevate your minds
and talk of your Saviour. When you see iniquity all around you, it
makes you all the more glad that He is your Saviour and we are His
children.—MS 7, 1888.
Learn the Eloquence of Silence—When one once gives place to
an angry spirit, he is just as much intoxicated as the man who has put
the glass to his lips. Learn the eloquence of silence and know that God
respects the purchase of the blood of Christ. Educate yourselves; we
must learn every day. We must come up higher and higher and closer
to God. Clear the rubbish away from the King’s highway. Make a way
that the King may walk in our midst. Put away filthy communications
out of your mouth (see
Colossians 3:8
).—MS 6, 1893.
A Holy Restraint—Without faith it is impossible to please God.
We can have the salvation of God in our families, but we must believe
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for it, live for it, and have a continual, abiding faith and trust in God.
We must subdue a hasty temper and control our words, and in this we
shall gain great victories.
Unless we control our words and temper, we are slaves to Satan.
We are in subjection to him. He leads us captive. All jangling and
unpleasant, impatient, fretful words are an offering presented to his
satanic majesty. And it is a costly offering, more costly than any
sacrifice we can make for God, for it destroys the peace and happiness
of whole families, destroys health, and is eventually the cause of
forfeiting an eternal life of happiness.
The restraint which God’s Word imposes upon us is for our own
interest. It increases the happiness of our families and of all around
us. It refines our taste, sanctifies our judgment, and brings peace of
mind and, in the end, everlasting life. Under this holy restraint we
shall increase in grace and humility, and it will become easy to speak
right. The natural, passionate temper will be held in subjection. An
indwelling Saviour will strengthen us every hour. Ministering angels
will linger in our dwellings and with joy carry heavenward the tidings
of our advance in the divine life, and the recording angel will make a
cheerful, happy record.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:310
(1862).
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