Right Thinking
231
thoughts and actions become habitual. If we will, we may turn away
from all that is cheap and inferior and rise to a high standard; we may
be respected by men and beloved of God.—
The Ministry of Healing,
491
(1905).
Christ-centered Thinking—Your last thought at night, your first
thought in the morning, should be of Him in whom is centered your
hope of eternal life.—Lt 19, 1895. (HC 116.)
Positiveness to Be Developed—The positiveness and energy, the
solidity and strength of character manifested in Christ are to be devel-
oped in us through the same discipline that He endured. And the grace
that He received is for us.—
The Desire of Ages, 73
(1898).
Effort Proportionate to Object of Pursuit—The thoughts must
be centered upon God. We must put forth earnest effort to overcome
the evil tendencies of the natural heart. Our efforts, our self-denial and
perseverance, must be proportionate to the infinite value of the object
[667]
of which we are in pursuit. Only by overcoming as Christ overcame
shall we win the crown of life.—
The Ministry of Healing, 455
(1905).
Thinking for Yourself—If you allow another to do your thinking
for you, you will have crippled energies and contracted abilities. There
are many whose intellects are dwarfed because they confine them to
dwell upon commonplace subjects. You should wrestle with problems
of thought that require the exercise of the best powers of your mind.—
The Review and Herald, April 16, 1889
.
Refinement of Heart Learned in Christ’s School—Real refine-
ment of thought and manner is better learned in the school of the Divine
Teacher than by any observance of set rules. His love pervading the
heart gives to the character those refining touches that fashion it in
the semblance of His own. This education imparts a heaven-born
dignity and sense of propriety. It gives a sweetness of disposition and
a gentleness of manner that can never be equaled by the superficial
polish of fashionable society.—
Education, 241
(1903).
Mental Discipline Required—The ability to fix the thoughts on
the work in hand is a great blessing. God-fearing youth should strive
to discharge their duties with thoughtful consideration, keeping the
thoughts in the right channel and doing their best. They should recog-
nize their present duties and fulfill them without allowing the mind to
wander. This kind of mental discipline will be helpful and beneficial
throughout life. Those who learn to put thought into everything they