Basic HTML Version
Set Your Mark High, October 12
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
.
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.
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 def-
inite 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 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.
Be ambitious, for the Master’s glory, to cultivate every grace of character. In
every phase of your character building you are to please God. This you may do;
for Enoch pleased Him though living in a degenerate age. And there are Enochs
in this our day.
Stand like Daniel, that faithful statesman, a man whom no temptation could
corrupt. Do not disappoint Him who so loved you that He gave His own life
to cancel your sins. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (
John 15:5
).
Remember this. If you have made mistakes, you certainly gain a victory if you see
these mistakes and regard them as beacons of warning. Thus you turn defeat into
victory, disappointing the enemy and honoring your Redeemer.—
Christ’s Object
Lessons, 331, 332
.
Your time, your influence, your capabilities, your skill—all must be accounted
for to Him who gives all.... Persevere in the work that you have begun, until you
gain victory after victory. Educate yourselves for a purpose. Keep in view the
highest standard, that you may accomplish greater and still greater good, thus
reflecting the glory of God.—
The Youths’ Instructor, January 25, 1910, par. 14
.
[300]
303