Emotional Needs
187
into disfavor with the multitudes and thus enabling the Sanhedrin to
secure His condemnation and death.—
Thoughts from the Mount of
Blessing, 47
(1896).
[610]
Company and Character—It has been truly said, “Show me your
company, and I will show you your character.” The youth fail to realize
how sensibly both their character and their reputation are affected by
their choice of associates. One seeks the company of those whose
tastes and habits and practices are congenial.
He who prefers the society of the ignorant and vicious to that of
the wise and good shows that his own character is defective. His tastes
and habits may at first be altogether dissimilar to the tastes and habits
of those whose company he seeks, but as he mingles with this class
his thoughts and feelings change; he sacrifices right principles and
insensibly yet unavoidably sinks to the level of his companions. As
a stream always partakes of the property of the soil through which it
runs, so the principles and habits of youth invariably become tinctured
with the character of the company in which they mingle.—
Counsels
to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 221
(1913).
A Relationship Everyone Is Bound to Cherish—God has bound
us together as members of one family, and this relationship everyone
is bound to cherish. There are services due to others which we cannot
ignore and yet keep the commandments of God. To live, think, and act
for self only is to become useless as servants of God. High-sounding
titles and great talents are not essential in order to be good citizens or
exemplary Christians.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:339, 340
(1879).
Bond of Union—The tenderest earthly tie is that between the
mother and her child. The child is more readily impressed by the life
and example of the mother than by that of the father; for a stronger
and more tender bond of union unites them. Mothers have a heavy
responsibility. If I could impress upon them the work which they
can do in molding the minds of their children, I should be happy.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:536
(1870).
[611]
Christ the Greatest Friend—Great importance is attached to our
associations. We may form many that are pleasant and helpful, but
none are so precious as that by which finite man is brought into connec-
tion with the infinite God. When thus united, the words of Christ abide
in us.... The result will be a purified heart, a circumspect life, and a
faultless character. But it is only by acquaintance and association with