The Youth’s Instructor

September 21, 1893

Transformed Character

EGW

“God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” The love of God is unmistakable and unquestionable, if we accept the word of God as his word. But when those who claim to be followers of Christ, still cherish idols of sinful practices that annoy their friends and those who have their good at heart, and still cling to their own way, which is full of defects, they misrepresent Christ. They claim to be converted, but what is the character of such a conversion? Have they met the high claim that is presented as service to God? “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed [how? By keeping the old ideas of sin, the old practices of evil, the old objectionable traits of character?—No] by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” YI September 21, 1893, par. 1

Mrs. E. G. White