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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
Lord’s wonderful works to all those who love Him and obey His
commandments. He would have man obey the commandments of God
because it is for the health and life of all human beings.
Talents in trust are a sacred responsibility. No man need to
covet talents unless through earnest prayer for that wisdom from
above—which will ensure the right appropriation of all his God-given
capabilities—he decides to honor and glorify God with the talents
which are granted. To receive and to believe the sacred light God has
given, and to impart to those who are in darkness of error, is a won-
derful matter; for if it is unselfishly and interestedly imparted to help
and bless and save perishing souls, it realizes to the faithful worker
heavenly treasures which make him more than a millionaire in heaven.
He is heir of God, joint heir with Jesus Christ, to a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory.—MS 63, 1900.
Man Made for Noble Purposes—It is the true elevation of the
mind, not an affectation of superiority, that makes the man. The proper
cultivation of the mental powers makes man all that he is. These
ennobling faculties are given to aid in forming character for the future,
immortal life. Man was created for a higher, holier state of enjoyment
than this world can afford. He was made in the image of God for
high and noble purposes, such as engage the attention of angels.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:438
(1880).
Current of Thought Must Be Changed—The minds of many
take so low a level that God cannot work for them or with them. The
current of thought must be changed, the moral sensibilities must be
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aroused to feel the claims of God. The sum and substance of true
religion is to own and continually acknowledge—by words, by dress,
by deportment—our relationship to God. Humility should take the
place of pride; sobriety, of levity; and devotion, of irreligion and
careless indifference.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:582
(1881).
Mind Motivates Service—I saw that through the past summer
the prevailing spirit has been to grasp as much of this world as possi-
ble. The commandments of God have not been kept. With the mind
we serve the law of God, but the minds of many have been serving
the world. And while their minds were all occupied with things of
earth and serving themselves, they could not serve the law of God.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:150
(1857).