Chapter 65—Indolence
Obligation to Develop Intellect to Its Maximum—God requires
the training of the mental faculties. He designs that His servants shall
possess more intelligence and clearer discernment than the worldling,
and He is displeased with those who are too careless or too indolent
to become efficient, well-informed workers. The Lord bids us love
Him with all the heart and with all the soul and with all the strength
and with all the mind. This lays upon us the obligation of developing
the intellect to its fullest capacity, that with all the mind we may know
and love our Creator.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 333
(1900).
Man Finds Happiness in Labor—Adam had themes for contem-
plation in the works of God in Eden, which was heaven in miniature.
God did not form man merely to contemplate His glorious works;
therefore, He gave him hands for labor as well as a mind and heart for
contemplation. If the happiness of man consisted in doing nothing,
the Creator would not have given Adam his appointed work. Man was
to find happiness in labor as well as in meditation.—
The Review and
Herald, February 24, 1874
. (
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 1:1082
.)
[603]
Idleness the Greatest Curse—The Bible gives no endorsement
to idleness. It is the greatest curse that afflicts our world.—
Christ’s
Object Lessons, 343
(1900).
Do Cheerfully the Daily Tasks—Riches and idleness are thought
by some to be blessings indeed; but those who are always busy and
who cheerfully go about their daily tasks are the most happy and
enjoy the best health. The healthful weariness which results from
well-regulated labor secures to them the benefits of refreshing sleep.
The sentence that man must toil for his daily bread and the promise
of future happiness and glory—both came from the same throne, and
both are blessings.—
The Youth’s Instructor, December 5, 1901
. (
My
Life Today, 168
.)
Happiness in Fulfilling Appointed Duties—Real happiness is
found only in being good and doing good. The purest, highest enjoy-
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