Living In The Light

December 25, Overcoming Every Defect Of Character, Pt. 1

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
—Romans 12:2 LL 377.1

Christ has a right to our entire obedience. “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” LL 377.2

When we claim to accept Christ as our Savior, and yet continue to cherish sinful practices, we misrepresent Him and put Him to open shame. “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 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 than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” LL 377.3

No one should deceive himself by thinking that his defects are not very grievous. If he does not guard against these defects, they will be his ruin, and will be reproduced in those with whom he associates. Those who do not think that God requires them to watch and pray unceasingly, striving against every imperfection, are deluded by the enemy. Until they change their attitude, they cannot grow in grace. We all need to pray earnestly for determination to overcome every defect of character. Pray that, “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened . . . ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” LL 377.4

How many there are who retain wrong habits because they think they cannot overcome them. They do not make determined efforts to overcome.— Review and Herald, June 11, 1901. LL 377.5

Further Reflection: : How determined are you to overcome every defect in your character? What role does the Holy Spirit play in the process of reformation? LL 377.6