Conflict and Courage

Your Face Is Telling, January 20

Genesis 4:3-7

And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. Genesis 4:6, 7. CC 26.1

The Lord saw the wrath of Cain. He saw the falling of his countenance. Thus is revealed how closely the Lord marks every action, all the intents and purposes, yes, even the expression of the countenance. This, though man may say nothing, expresses his refusal to do the way and will of God.^{28The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 1:1086.} CC 26.2

Mark the words of the Lord.... This question may be addressed to every young man and young woman who, like Cain, reveal their passion ... when acting out the promptings of Satan, which are in direct opposition to the requirements of God.^{29Manuscript 77, 1897.} CC 26.3

If you choose to throw off the sacred, restraining influence of the truth, Satan will lead you captive at his will. You will be in danger of giving scope to your appetites and passions, giving loose rein to lusts, to evil and abominable desires. Instead of bearing in your countenance a calm serenity under trial and affliction, like faithful Enoch, having your face radiant with hope and that peace which passeth understanding, you will stamp your countenance with carnal thoughts, with lustful desires. You will bear the impress of the satanic instead of the divine.^{30Testimonies for the Church 2:92.} CC 26.4

Many children and youth have their characters imprinted on their countenances. Their life's history they carry in the features of the face.... If Christ is the abiding principle in the heart, you may read purity, refinement, peace, and love in the features. In other countenances, an evil character hangs out the sign; selfishness, cunning, deceit, falsehood, enmity, and jealousy are expressed there. How difficult it is for truth to impress the hearts and countenances of such characters! ... CC 26.5

All spiritual culture Christ has provided for His children. If Jesus is abiding in the soul, the heart is filled with the holy graces of His Spirit, which makes itself manifest in the transforming of the features. If you would have beauty and loveliness of character, the divine law must be written upon the heart and carried out in the life.^{31Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 112, 113.} CC 26.6