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exchange of the worthless and transitory for the precious and enduring.
This is not sacrifice, but infinite gain.
“Something better” is the watchword of education, the law of all
true living. Whatever Christ asks us to renounce, He offers in its
stead something better. Often the youth cherish objects, pursuits, and
pleasures that may not appear to be evil, but that fall short of the highest
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good. They divert the life from its noblest aim. Arbitrary measures or
direct denunciation may not avail in leading these youth to relinquish
that which they hold dear. Let them be directed to something better
than display, ambition, or self-indulgence. Bring them in contact with
truer beauty, with loftier principles, and with nobler lives. Lead them
to behold the One “altogether lovely.” When once the gaze is fixed
upon Him, the life finds its center. The enthusiasm, the generous
devotion, the passionate ardor, of the youth find here their true object.
Duty becomes a delight and sacrifice a pleasure. To honor Christ, to
become like Him, to work for Him, is the life’s highest ambition and
its greatest joy.
“The love of Christ constraineth.”
2 Corinthians 5:14
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