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Something Better!, August 19
I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right
hand, I shall not be moved.
Psalm 16:8
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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 good. They divert
the life from its noblest aim.
Never let amusements, or the companionship of others, come be-
tween you and Jesus, your best Friend.... When natural inclination
draws you in the direction of fulfilling some selfish desire, set the Lord
before you as your counselor, and ask, “Will this please Jesus? Will this
increase my love for my best Friend? Will this course grieve my dear
Saviour? Will it separate me from His company? Will Jesus accompany
me to the pleasure party, where all will be lightness and gaiety, where
there will be nothing of a religious nature, nothing serious, no thought
of the things of God?”
Christians have many sources of happiness at their command, and
they may tell with unerring accuracy what pleasures are lawful and right.
They may enjoy such recreations as will not dissipate the mind or debase
the soul, such as will not disappoint, and leave a sad after influence to
destroy self-respect or bar the way to usefulness. If they can take Jesus
with them, and maintain a prayerful spirit, they are perfectly safe.
An enlightened, discriminating mind will find abundant means for
entertainment and diversion, from sources not only innocent, but in-
structive.
In all our seasons of recreation we may gather from the Divine
Source of strength fresh courage and power, that we may the more
successfully elevate our lives to purity, true goodness, and holiness.
Those who really enjoy the love of God will have joy and peace.
Religion was never designed to make one pleasureless. What can be
productive of greater happiness than to enjoy the peace of Christ, the
bright sunshine of His presence?
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