Christian Character Exemplified in Teachers and Students
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dross. They made a failure of their work through unfaithfulness. They
were not industrious and persevering, and did not go to the bottom
of things. They were not willing to begin at the bottom of the ladder,
and with patient toil, ascend round after round till they reached the
top. They walked in the sparks (their bright flashes of thought) of their
own kindling. They did not depend on the wisdom which God alone
can give. Their failure was not because they did not have a chance,
but because they were not sober-minded. They did not feel that their
educational advantages were of value to them, and so did not advance
as they might have advanced in the knowledge of religion and science.
Their mind and character were not balanced by high principles of right.
Let our young men be sober, and ponder the ways of their feet. Let
them shun sin because it is destructive in its tendencies and displeasing
to God. Let them discern what possibilities are within their reach, and
seek God for grace to keep in the paths of righteousness. Let them
seek the counsel and guidance of the Lord, that they may spend their
lives for His glory in the world.
In obtaining an education, success is not to be regarded as a matter
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of chance or destiny; it is from that God who read the heart of Daniel,
who looked with pleasure upon his purity of motive, his determination
of purpose to honor the Lord. Daniel did not walk in sparks of his own
kindling, but made the Lord his wisdom. Divine philosophy was made
the foundation of his education. He welcomed the counsel of the Lord.
Would that all students were as was Daniel; but many do not see the
importance of submitting to divine discipline.
O that all might realize that without Christ they can do nothing!
Those who do not gather with Him scatter abroad. Their thoughts
and actions will not bear the right character, and their influence will
be destructive of good. Our actions have a twofold influence; for
they affect others as well as ourselves. This influence will either be
a blessing or a curse to those with whom we associate. How little
we appreciate this fact. Actions make habits, and habits, character,
and if we do not guard our habits, we shall not be qualified to unite
with heavenly agencies in the work of salvation, nor be prepared to
enter the heavenly mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare; for no one
will be there except those who have surrendered their will and way to
God’s will and way. He whose character is proved, who has stood the