Chapter 27—Christian Growth
I have been shown that those who have a knowledge of the truth,
and yet allow all their powers to be absorbed in worldly interests, are
unfaithful. They are not, by their good works, letting the light of truth
shine to others. Nearly all their ability is devoted to becoming sharp,
skillful men of the world. They forget that their talents were given
them of God to be used in advancing His cause. If they were faithful
to their duty, the result would be great gain of souls to the Master, but
many are lost through their neglect. God calls upon those who know
His will to be doers of His word. Weakness, halfheartedness, and
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indecision provoke the assaults of Satan; and those who permit these
traits to grow will be borne helplessly down by the surging waves of
temptation. Everyone who professes the name of Christ is required to
grow up to the full stature of Christ, the Christian’s living head.
We all need a guide through the many strait places in life as much
as the sailor needs a pilot over the sandy bar or up the rocky river, and
where is this guide to be found? We point you, dear brethren, to the
Bible. Inspired of God, written by holy men, it points out with great
clearness and precision the duties of both old and young. It elevates the
mind, softens the heart, and imparts gladness and holy joy to the spirit.
The Bible presents a perfect standard of character; it is an infallible
guide under all circumstances, even to the end of the journey of life.
Take it as the man of your counsel, the rule of your daily life.
Every means of grace should be diligently improved that the love
of God may abound in the soul more and more, “that ye may approve
things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till
the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness.” Your
Christian life must take on vigorous and stalwart forms. You can attain
to the high standard set before you in the Scriptures, and you must if
you would be children of God. You cannot stand still; you must either
advance or retrograde. You must have spiritual knowledge, that you
“may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and
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