Chapter 88—Negative Influences on the Mind
Set Aside all Faultfinding—We should be weeding out of our
thoughts all complaining and faultfinding. Let us not continue to look
upon any defects that we may see.... If we would get the right hold on
God, we must keep beholding the great precious things—the purity,
the glory, the power, the kindness, the affection, the love, that God
bestows upon us. And thus beholding, our minds will become so fixed
upon these things of eternal interest that we shall have no desire to
find the flaws in others.—MS 153, 1907. (HC 232.)
We Tend to Remember the Negative—We must learn to place
the best possible construction upon doubtful conduct of others.... If
we are ever suspecting evil, we are in danger of creating what we
allow ourselves to suspect.... We cannot pass along without sometimes
having our feelings hurt and our temper tried, but as Christians we
must be just as patient, forbearing, humble, and meek as we desire
others to be.
Oh, how many thousand good acts and deeds of kindness that we
receive ... pass from the mind like dew before the sun, while imaginary
or real injury leaves an impression which it is next to impossible to
efface! The very best example to give to others is to be right ourselves,
[790]
and then leave ourselves, our reputation, with God and not show too
great anxiety to right every wrong impression and present our case in
a favorable light.—Lt 25, 1870. (HC 237.)
The Image We Study Changes Our Lives—Everything that
causes us to see the weakness of humanity is in the Lord’s purpose to
help us to look to Him, and in no case put trust in man or make flesh
our arm.... We become changed into the image of that upon which we
dwell. Then how important to open our hearts to the things that are
true and lovely and of good report!—Lt 63, 1893. (HC 248.)
Remember Human Frailty—In dealing with our fellowmen we
all are to consider that they are of like passions with ourselves, feeling
the same weaknesses and suffering the same temptations. They, with
us, have a struggle with life if they maintain their integrity.... True
328