Chapter 126—Words of Counsel
It is in the order of God that the physical as well as the mental
powers shall be trained; but the character of the physical exercise taken
should be in complete harmony with the lessons given by Christ to
His disciples. Those lessons should be exemplified in the lives of
Christians, so that in all the education and self-training of teachers and
students, the heavenly agencies may not record of them that they are
“lovers of pleasures.” This is the record now being made of a large
number, “Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”
2 Timothy
3:4
.
Thus Satan and his angels are laying their snares for souls. They
are working upon the minds of teachers and students to induce them
to engage in exercises and amusements which become intensely ab-
sorbing, and which are of a character to strengthen the lower passions,
and to create appetites and passions that will counteract the operations
of the Spirit of God upon human hearts.
All the teachers in a school need exercise, a change of employment.
God has pointed out what this should be,—useful, practical work. But
many have turned away from God’s plan to follow human inventions,
to the detriment of spiritual life. Amusements are doing more to
counteract the working of the Holy Spirit than anything else, and the
Lord is grieved....
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roar-
ing lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,”
1 Peter 5:8
.
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He is on the playground, watching your amusements, and catching
every soul whom he finds off guard, sowing his seeds in human hearts,
and gaining control of human minds. He is present in every exer-
cise in the schoolroom. Those students who allow their minds to be
deeply excited over games are not in the best condition to receive the
instruction, the counsel, the reproof, most essential for them.
Physical exercise was marked out by the God of wisdom. Some
hours each day should be devoted to useful education in lines of work
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