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True Standards of Christian Excellence, May 23
As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of
conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 Peter 1:15,
16
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It is the design of God that improvement shall be the lifework of all His
people, and that in all their aims they should be guided and controlled by Christian
principle and correct experience. But many fail to understand the true object of
life; and under the influence of cherished errors, they sacrifice all there is of life
that is really valuable. The true man is one who is willing to sacrifice his own
interest for the good of others, and who forgets himself in ministering to their
happiness.
Intellect is a mightier force than wealth or physical power. If sanctified and
controlled by the Spirit of God, it can exert a powerful influence for good. Yet
intellect alone does not make the man, according to the divine standard. When
made a minister of vice, great intellect is a curse to the possessor and to all within
its influence.
One’s claim to a true manhood must be determined by the use of the powers
which God has given him. Lord Byron had rare intellectual gifts; but he was
not a man, according to God’s standard.... This man was one of the world’s
distinguished men; still the Lord acknowledged him only as one who had abused
his God-given talents. Many others whom God endowed with giant minds, and
whom the world called great men, rallied under the banner of Satan, and used the
gifts of God for the perversion of truth and of destruction of the souls of men....
In contrast with the lives of such men is that of Martin Luther. He was not born
a prince. He wore no royal crown. From a cloistered cell his voice was heard, and
his influence felt. He had a noble, generous heart, as well as a vigorous intellect,
and all his powers were exercised for the good of humanity. He stood bravely for
truth and right, and breasted the world’s opposition to benefit his fellow men.
That which will bless humanity is spiritual life. If the man is in harmony with
God, he will depend continually upon Him for strength. “Be ye therefore perfect,
even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” It should be our lifework to press
forward continually toward the perfection of Christian character, ever striving for
conformity to the will of God, remembering that the efforts begun upon earth will
continue throughout eternity. God has set before the human family an elevated
standard, and he who is true to his God-given manhood will not only promote the
happiness of his fellow creatures in this life, but will aid them to secure an eternal
reward in the life to come.—
The Signs of the Times, June 17, 1886
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