Words to Students
251
the ladder. Let everyone start at the lowest round, and mount step by
step, climbing up by Christ, clinging to Christ, ascending to the height
of Christ. This is the only way to advance heavenward. Let nothing
turn the attention away from the great work that is to be done. Let the
thoughts, the aptitude, the keen exercise of the brain power, be put to
the highest uses in studying the word and will of God. The Lord has
a place for the very best ability He has intrusted to men. In the work
of building up His kingdom, we may employ every capacity given of
God, as faithfully and earnestly as did Daniel in Babylon, when he
was found faithful to every duty to man, and loyal to his God.
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God calls for far more tact, more wise generalship, than has yet
been given Him by His human agents. There is need of sharp, sanc-
tified thinking, and keen work to counteract the ingenious plans of
Satan. There is a call for a higher standard to be met, a holier, more
determined, self-sacrificing effort to be put forth in the Lord’s work.
Our youth must be educated to meet a higher standard, to understand
that they are now deciding their own eternal destiny. There is no safe-
guard for any one, save in having in the heart the truth as it is in Jesus.
This must be planted in the heart by the Holy Spirit. Much that is now
called religion will sink out of sight when it is assailed by the hosts
of Satan. Nothing will stand but the truth,—the wisdom that is from
above, which will sanctify the soul.
Let no one imagine that self-indulgence is religion. Let not selfish-
ness be pampered. Let the youth learn to restrict their desires, and to
beware of extravagance in the use of means. Let all look unto Jesus,
contemplate His character, and follow in His footsteps. “For in Him
dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete
in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.”—
The Youth’s
Instructor, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 1894
.
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