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The Truth of God Refines the Taste, October 18
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or
rude.
1 Corinthians 13:4, 5
, R.S.V.
The truth of God is designed to elevate the receiver, to refine his taste, and to
sanctify his judgment. The character of the Christian should be holy, his manners
comely, his words without guile. There should be a continual effort to imitate the
society he hopes soon to join, that of angels who have never fallen by sin.
No man can be a Christian without having the Spirit of Christ; and if he has
the Spirit of Christ, it will be manifested in kind words and a refined, courteous
deportment.... External change will testify to an internal change. The truth is
the sanctifier, the refiner. Received into the heart, it works with hidden power,
transforming the character. But those who profess to be followers of Christ, and
are at the same time rough, unkind, and uncourteous in words and deportment,
have not learned of Jesus. A blustering, overbearing, faultfinding man is not a
Christian; for to be a Christian is to be Christlike....
Very many who are seeking for happiness will be disappointed in their hopes,
because they seek it amiss, and are indulging in sinful tempers and selfish feelings.
By neglecting to discharge the little duties and observe the little courtesies of life,
they violate the principles on which happiness depends. True happiness is not to
be found in self-gratification, but in the path of duty. God desires man to be happy,
and for this reason He gave him the precepts of His Law, that in obeying these he
might have joy at home and abroad. While he stands in his moral integrity, true to
principle, and having the control of all his powers, he cannot be miserable. With
its tendrils twined about God, the heart will be full of peace and joy, and the soul
will flourish amid unbelief and depravity.
Kind words, pleasant looks, a cheerful countenance, throw a charm around the
Christian that makes his influence almost irresistible. It is the religion of Christ
in the heart that causes the words to be gentle, and the demeanor winning, even
to those in the humblest walks of life. In forgetfulness of self, in the light and
peace and happiness he is constantly bestowing on others, is seen the true dignity
of the man. This is a way to gain respect, and extend the sphere of usefulness,
which costs but little; and the one who pursues this course will not complain that
he does not receive the honor that is his due. But Bible rules must be written on
the heart; Bible rules must be carried into the everyday life.—
The Signs of the
Times, November 11, 1886
.
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