Chapter 72—Thought Habits
Thoughts Form Character—As a man “thinketh in his heart, so
is he” (
Proverbs 23:7
). Many thoughts make up the unwritten history
of a single day, and these thoughts have much to do with the formation
of character. Our thoughts are to be strictly guarded, for one impure
thought makes a deep impression on the soul. An evil thought leaves
an evil impress on the mind. If the thoughts are pure and holy, the
man is better for having cherished them. By them the spiritual pulse is
quickened and the power for doing good is increased. And as one drop
of rain prepares the way for another in moistening the earth, so one
good thought prepares the way for another.—
The Youth’s Instructor,
January 17, 1901
. (
Messages to Young People, 144
.)
Power to Choose Thought Topics—It is within the power of
everyone to choose the topics that shall occupy the thoughts and shape
the character.—
Education, 127
(1903).
Requires Personal Effort—No one but yourself can control your
thoughts. In the struggle to reach the highest standard, success or
failure will depend much upon the character and the manner in which
the thoughts are disciplined. If the thoughts are well girded, as God
directs they shall be each day, they will be upon those subjects that
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will help us to greater devotion. If the thoughts are right, then as a
result the words will be right; the actions will be of that character to
bring gladness and comfort and rest to souls.—Lt 33, 1886. (HC 112.)
Thoughts to Be Trained—The thoughts must be trained. Gird up
the loins of the mind that it shall work in the right direction and after
the order of well-formed plans; then every step is one in advance, and
no effort or time is lost in following vague ideas and random plans.
We must consider the aim and object of life, and ever keep worthy
purposes in view. Every day the thoughts should be trained and kept
to the point as the compass to the pole. Everyone should have his
aims and purposes, and then make every thought and action of that
character to accomplish that which he purposes. The thoughts must
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