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Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
barricaded by the grace of Christ. Temptations will come; but if we
watch against the enemy, and maintain the balance of self-control and
purity, the seducing spirits will have no influence over us. Those who
do nothing to encourage temptation will have strength to withstand
it when it comes; but those who keep themselves in an atmosphere
of evil will have only themselves to blame if they are overcome and
fall from their steadfastness. In the future, good reasons will be seen
for the warnings given regarding seducing spirits. Then will be seen
the force of Christ’s words, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your
Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Matthew 5:48
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We are to be guided by true theology and common sense. Our
souls are to be surrounded by the atmosphere of heaven. Men and
women are to watch themselves; they are to be constantly on guard,
allowing no word or act that would cause their good to be evil spoken
of. He who professes to be a follower of Christ is to watch himself,
keeping himself pure and undefiled in thought, word, and deed. His
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influence upon others is to be uplifting. His life is to reflect the
bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.
There is need that much time be spent in secret prayer, in close
communion with God. Thus only can victories be won. Eternal
vigilance is the price of safety.
The Lord’s covenant is with His saints. Everyone is to discern his
weak points of character and guard against them with vigor. Those
who have been buried with Christ in baptism, and been raised in
the likeness of His resurrection, have pledged themselves to live in
newness of life. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things
which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set
your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye
are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who
is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.”
Colossians 3:1-4
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The Christian youth should be trained to bear responsibilities
with brave heart and willing hand. He should learn to encounter
the trials of life with patience and fortitude, to follow maxims of
worth, and to confirm himself in habits that will enable him to win