Chapter 12—In the World but Not of the World
I was shown our danger, as a people, of becoming assimilated to
the world rather than to the image of Christ. We are now upon the
very borders of the eternal world, but it is the purpose of the adversary
of souls to lead us to put far off the close of time. Satan will in every
conceivable manner assail those who profess to be the commandment-
keeping people of God and to be waiting for the second appearing of
our Saviour in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He will
lead as many as possible to put off the evil day and become in spirit
like the world, imitating its customs. I felt alarmed as I saw that the
spirit of the world was controlling the hearts and minds of many who
make a high profession of the truth. Selfishness and self-indulgence
are cherished by them, but true godliness and sterling integrity are not
cultivated
Christian Integrity
In every business transaction be rigidly honest. However tempted,
never deceive or prevaricate in the least matter. At times a natural
impulse may bring temptation to diverge from the straightforward path
of honesty, but do not vary one hairsbreadth. If in any matter you
make a statement as to what you will do, and afterward find that you
have favored others to your own loss, do not vary a hairsbreadth from
principle. Carry out your agreement
The Bible condemns in the strongest terms all falsehood, false
dealing, and dishonesty. Right and wrong are plainly stated. But I
was shown that God’s people have placed themselves on the enemy’s
ground; they have yielded to his temptations and followed his devices
until their sensibilities have become fearfully blunted. A slight devi-
ation from truth, a little variation from the requirements of God, is
thought to be, after all, not so very sinful, when pecuniary gain or loss
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Testimonies for the Church 4:306
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Child Guidance, 154
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