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Self-Control, March 18
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of
offence toward God, and toward men.
Acts 24:16
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Strength of character consists of two things—power of will and power
of self-control. Many youth mistake strong, uncontrolled passion for
strength of character; but the truth is that he who is mastered by his
passions is a weak man. The real greatness and nobility of the man is
measured by his powers to subdue his feelings, not by the power of his
feelings to subdue him
Never should we lose control of ourselves. Let us ever keep before us
the perfect Pattern. It is a sin to speak impatiently and fretfully or to feel
angry—even though we do not speak. We are to walk worthy, giving a
right representation of Christ. The speaking of an angry word is like flint
striking flint: it at once kindles wrathful feelings.
Never be like a chestnut bur. In the home do not allow yourself to use
harsh, rasping words. You should invite the heavenly Guest to come into
your home, at the same time making it possible for Him and the heavenly
angels to abide with you. You should receive the righteousness of Christ,
the sanctification of the Spirit of God, the beauty of holiness, that you may
reveal to those around you the Light of life....
Said a celebrated emperor when on his dying bed, “Among all my
conquests there is but one which affords me any consolation now, and that
is the conquest I have gained over my own turbulent temper.” Alexander
and Caesar found it easier to subdue a world than to subdue themselves.
After conquering nation after nation, they fell—one of them “the victim
of intemperance, the other of mad ambition.
The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control
In the Lord’s work you are constantly in a school where you may learn
lessons of self-control, of sanctified dignity, of gentlemanly manners and
behavior
[85]
46
Child Guidance, 161, 162
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47
Child Guidance, 95, 96
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48
The Desire of Ages, 301
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49
Letter 174a, 1902
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