Chapter 25—Perfecting Character
Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of char-
acter is an easy matter. A noble all-round character is not inherited.
It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by
individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the
talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed
by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged
against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves
closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.
Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you
come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting
life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you
cannot overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an
unsanctified heart, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of
God.
Set Your Mark High
Many whom God has qualified to do excellent work accomplish
very little, because they attempt little. Thousands pass through life as
if they had no definite object for which to live, no standard to reach.
Such will obtain a reward proportionate to their works.
Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you
yourself set. Then set your mark high, and step by step, even though
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it be by painful effort, by self-denial and sacrifice, ascend the whole
length of the ladder of progress. Let nothing hinder you. Fate has
not woven its meshes about any human being so firmly that he need
remain helpless and in uncertainty. Opposing circumstances should
create a firm determination to overcome them. The breaking down of
one barrier will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press
with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be
your helpers, not your hindrances.
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