Chapter 250—For Disciplining the Mind
In thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make
great, and to give strength unto all.
1 Chronicles 29:12
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The mind is so constituted that it must be occupied with either good
or evil. If it takes a low level, it is generally because it is left to deal with
commonplace subjects.... Man has the power to regulate and control the
workings of the mind, and give direction to the current of his thoughts. But
this requires greater effort than we can make in our own strength. We must
stay our minds on God, if we would have right thoughts, and proper subjects
for meditation.
Few realize that it is a duty to exercise control over their thoughts and
imaginations. It is difficult to keep the undisciplined mind fixed upon
profitable subjects. But if the thoughts are not properly employed, religion
cannot flourish in the soul. The mind must be preoccupied with sacred
and eternal things, or it will cherish trifling and superficial thoughts. Both
the intellectual and the moral powers must be disciplined, and they will
strengthen and improve by exercise.
To understand this matter aright, we must remember that our hearts are
naturally depraved, and we are unable, of ourselves, to pursue a right course.
It is only by the grace of God, combined with the most earnest efforts on our
part, that we can gain the victory....
The intellect, as well as the heart, must be consecrated to the service of
God. He has claims upon all there is of us....
Pleasure-seeking, frivolity, and mental and moral dissipation, are flooding
the world with their demoralizing influence. Every Christian should labor to
press back the tide of evil, and save our youth from the influences that would
sweep them down to ruin. May God help us to press our way against the
current!
Without the power of God’s grace and Spirit we cannot reach the high
standard He has placed before us. There is a divine excellence of character
to which we are to attain, and in striving to meet the standard of heaven,
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