Character Building
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what is truth. No man’s assertions can be taken on trust. The question
is, What does the Lord say? His, “Thou shalt” and, “Thou shalt not,”
must be obeyed.
Thoroughness is necessary to success in the work of character
building. There must be an earnest purpose to carry out the plan of
the Master Builder. The timbers used must be solid; and no careless,
unreliable work can be accepted; it would ruin the building.
The whole being is to be put into this work. It demands the strength
and energy of manhood; there is no reserve to be wasted in unimportant
matters. There must be determined human force put into the work, co-
operating with the divine. There must be earnest, careful, persevering
effort to break away from the customs, maxims, and associations of the
world. Deep thought, earnest purpose, steadfast integrity, are essential.
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There must be no idleness, Life is an important matter, a sacred
trust; and every moment should be wisely improved, for its results will
be seen in eternity. God requires each one to do all the good possible.
The talents which he has entrusted to our keeping are to be made the
most of. He has placed them in our hands to be used to his name’s
glory, and in the interests of our fellow men.
The Lord has precious promises in this life for those who keep his
law. He says, “My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my
commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they
add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy
neck; write them upon the table of thine heart; so shalt thou find favor
and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”
Proverbs 3:1-4
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But a better than earthly reward awaits those who, basing their
work on the solid Rock, have built up symmetrical characters, in
accordance with the living word. For them is prepared “a city which
hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Its streets are
paved with gold. In it is the paradise of God, watered by the river of
life, which proceeds from the throne. In the midst of the street, and on
either side of the river, is the tree of life, which yields its fruit every
month, “and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
Parents, teachers, students, remember that you are building for
eternity. See that your foundation is sure; then build firmly, and with
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persistent effort, but in gentleness, meekness, and love. So shall your
house stand unshaken, not only when the storms of temptation come,
but when the overwhelming flood of God’s wrath shall sweep over the