Pacific Union Recorder

67/106

February 16, 1905

Conformed to the Will of God

EGW

The will of every human being should be under the discipline and control of God; for, uncontrolled, it is a dangerous element. Untold harm may be done if the enemy is allowed to take control of the human will. Those thus controlled follow a crooked, deceptive course. Their eyes are blinded. They can not see things in the light of God's Word. They are enslaved, bound to pursue a course that the Word of God will not justify. PUR February 16, 1905, par. 1

The will of a human being is not to be given into the control of any other man. It is to be united with the will of God. Then the Lord can use it to bring honor and glory to His name. PUR February 16, 1905, par. 2

The Lord has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, the strength. Under the supervision of divine power, the will is to become strong, prompt, and firm. PUR February 16, 1905, par. 3

If we will consent, God can and will so identify us with Himself, so mold our thoughts and aims, that when obeying His will, we are only carrying out the impulse of our own minds. Then we shall not desire to carry out unchristian desires; we shall be filled with an earnest determination to do the will of God. We shall not try to work in our own strength, and we shall guard strictly against self-exaltation. PUR February 16, 1905, par. 4

All who would perfect a Christian character must wear the yoke of Christ. If they would sit together in heavenly places in Christ, they must learn of Him while on this earth. Our natures are in need of discipline. They must be conformed to the nature of Christ, that He may accomplish the good that He purposes to do for us. He will unite with every one who will wear His yoke. He understands man, and has a full knowledge of the requirements of human nature. PUR February 16, 1905, par. 5

Christ pleased not Himself. His whole life was the development of a pure, disinterested benevolence. He assumed human nature to show to the fallen world, to Satan and his synagogue, and to the heavenly universe, that human nature, united with the divine nature, could become entirely obedient to the law of God, that His followers could manifest the glory of God by their love and unity for one another, that they could give evidence that God has sent His Son to save sinners. PUR February 16, 1905, par. 6

The Saviour rejoiced in the consciousness that He could and would do more for those who are humble and contrite than He has promised; for from Him would flow forth love and compassion, as clear as crystal, cleansing the soul-temple of those who would receive His grace. He rejoiced in the thought that His prayer that His church might be sanctified through the truth would be answered, that man would be moulded by the renovating, transforming influence of His Spirit. PUR February 16, 1905, par. 7

*****

The Saviour has a boundless love for every human being. In every one He sees infinite capacity for improvement. With divine energy and hope He greets those for whom He has given His life. He places within their reach the riches of eternal life. In His strength they can live a life rich in good works, filled with the power of the Spirit. But they must separate from all scheming, all dishonesty. PUR February 16, 1905, par. 8

*****

The grace of God alone can give you the experience that comes from a perfected character. God alone can enable you to walk before Him with a perfect heart. The Holy One has given erring finite beings rules for their guidance. These rules form a standard from which there can be no sinless swerving. He who does not make God's will paramount has yet to learn the first principles of holiness. PUR February 16, 1905, par. 9

Well-doing is possible only through the grace imparted by God. Your own wisdom is foolishness with God. Your only safety lies in a daily repentance, a daily refusal to deviate from the principles of truth. PUR February 16, 1905, par. 10

Ellen G. White