Social Relationships
201
emphasize the importance of religious worship and the necessity of
subordinating our selfish, worldly interests to those that are spiritual
and eternal.
We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating
together to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of
God. The truths of His Word lose their vividness and importance in
our minds. Our hearts cease to be enlightened and aroused by the
sanctifying influence, and we decline in spirituality. In our intercourse
as Christians we lose much by lack of sympathy with one another. He
who shuts himself up to himself is not filling the position that God
designed he should. We are all children of one Father, dependent upon
[628]
one another for happiness. The claims of God and of humanity are
upon us. It is the proper cultivation of the social elements of our nature
that brings us into sympathy with our brethren and affords us happiness
in our efforts to bless others.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 541
(1890).
Not to Be Governed by Human Standards—I am constantly
presenting the need of every man doing his best as a Christian, of
training himself to realize the growth, the expansion of mind, the
nobility of character, which it is possible for each to have. In all that
we do we are to sustain a Christlike relation to one another. We are to
use every spiritual force for the carrying out of wise plans in earnest
action. The gifts of God are to be used for the saving of souls. Our
relations to one another are not to be governed by human standards but
by divine love, the love expressed in the gift of God to our world.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 256
(1913).
Develop Social Powers for Soul Winning—Especially should
those who have tasted the love of Christ develop their social powers,
for in this way they may win souls to the Saviour. Christ should not be
hid away in their hearts, shut in as a coveted treasure, sacred and sweet,
to be enjoyed solely by themselves; nor should the love of Christ be
manifested toward those only who please their fancy.
Students are to be taught the Christlikeness of exhibiting a kindly
interest, a social disposition, toward those who are in the greatest
need, even though these may not be their own chosen companions.
At all times and in all places Jesus manifested a loving interest in
the human family and shed about Him the light of a cheerful piety.
Students should be taught to follow in His steps. They should be taught
to manifest Christian interest, sympathy, and love for their youthful