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Spiritual Gifts, Volume 4b
that we have a great work before us to watch ourselves with jealous
care, and search our own hearts, and know wherein we fail, and then
guard ourselves upon that point. We must have perfect control of our
own spirit. “He that offendeth not in word, the same is a perfect man,
and able also to bridle the whole body.” The light that shines upon our
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path, the truth that commends itself to our consciences, will condemn
and destroy, or sanctify and transform, the soul. We live too near the
close of probation to be content with a superficial work. The same
grace which we have hitherto considered sufficient will not sustain us
now. Our faith must be increased, and we must be more like Christ in
conduct and disposition in order to endure, and successfully resist, the
temptations of Satan. The grace of God is sufficient for every follower
of Christ.
Our efforts must be earnest and persevering to resist the attacks of
Satan. He employs his strength and skill in trying to turn us out of the
right way. He watches our going out and coming in, and intends to
hurt or destroy us. He works most successfully in darkness, injuring
those who are ignorant of his devices. He could not gain advantage if
his method of attack was understood. The instruments he employs to
effect its purposes, and transmit his fiery darts, are often the members
of our own families.
Those we love may speak or act unguardedly, which may wound
us deeply. It was not their intention to do this, but Satan magnifies
their words and acts before the mind in a manner by which he hurls
a dart from his quiver to pierce us. We brace ourselves to resist the
one whom we think has injured us, and thus we encourage Satan’s
temptations. Instead of praying to God for strength to resist Satan, we
suffer our happiness to be marred by trying to stand for what we term
“our rights.” In thus doing, we allow Satan a double advantage. We act
out our aggrieved feelings, and by taking this course Satan uses us as
his agents to wound and distress those who did not intend to injure us.
The requirements of the husband may sometimes seem unreasonable
to the wife, when if she should take the second view of the matter, in
as favorable a light for him as possible, if she would calmly, candidly
consider, she would see that to yield her own way, and submit to the
judgment of her husband, even if it conflicted with her feelings, would
save them both from unhappiness, and would give them great victory
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over the temptations of Satan.