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Aim for Continual Advancement, May 29
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23
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Truly earnest men are few in our world, but they are greatly needed. The
example of an energetic person is far-reaching; he has an electric power over
others. He meets obstacles in his work; but he has the push in him, and instead of
allowing his way to be hedged up, he breaks down every barrier....
There are thorns in every path. All who follow the Lord’s leading must expect
to meet with disappointments, crosses, and losses. But a spirit of true heroism
will help them to overcome these. Many greatly magnify seeming difficulties, and
then begin to pity themselves and give way to despondency. Such need to make
an entire change in themselves. They need to discipline themselves to put forth
exertion, and to overcome all childish feelings. They should determine that life
shall not be spent in working at trifles. Let them resolve to accomplish something,
and then do it.
Many make good resolutions, but they are always going to do something and
never get to it. About all their resolutions amount to is talk. In many cases, if they
had more energy and accomplished something in spite of obstacles, they would
have far better health.
Everyone should have an aim, an object, in life. The loins of the mind should
be girded up, and the thoughts be trained to keep to the point as the compass to the
pole. The mind should be directed in the right channel, according to well-formed
plans. Then every step will be a step in advance. No time will be lost in following
vague ideas and random plans. Worthy purposes should be kept constantly in
view, and every thought and act should tend to their accomplishment. Let there
ever be a fixedness of purpose to carry out that which is undertaken.
Success or failure in this life depends much upon the manner in which the
thoughts are disciplined. If they are controlled as God directs that they shall
be, they will be upon those subjects which will lead to greater devotion. If the
thoughts are right, the words will be right....
The afternoon sun of ... life may be more mellow and productive of fruit
than the morning sun. It may continue to increase in size and brightness until it
drops behind the western hills.... Keep your heart and mind young by continuous
exercise....
The Bible is the best book in the world for intellectual culture. The grand
themes presented in it, the dignified simplicity with which these themes are
handled, the light which it sheds upon the mysteries of heaven, bring strength and
vigor to the understanding.—
The Review and Herald, April 6, 1886
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