My Life Today

Purity in This Corrupt Age, March 9

Living by Principle Not Inclination

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Psalm 24:3, 4. ML 72.1

The safeguards of our purity must be watchfulness and prayer.^{15The Review and Herald, February 22, 1906.} ML 72.2

We are living in an atmosphere of satanic witchery. The enemy will weave a spell of licentiousness around every soul that is not barricaded by the grace of Christ. Temptations will come; but if we watch against the enemy, and maintain the balance of self-control and purity, the seducing spirits will have no influence over us. Those who do nothing to encourage temptation will have strength to withstand it when it comes.^{16Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 257.} ML 72.3

If they [the youth] do not willfully rush into danger, and needlessly place themselves in the way of temptation, if they shun evil influences and vicious society, and then are unavoidably compelled to be in dangerous company, they will have strength of character to stand for the right and to preserve principle, and come forth in the strength of God with their morals untainted. If youth who have been properly educated make God their trust, their moral powers will stand the most powerful test.^{17Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 85.} ML 72.4

God's elect must stand untainted amid the corruptions teeming around them in these last days.... The Spirit of God should have perfect control, influencing every action.^{18Counsels on Health, 20.} ML 72.5

Those who enter upon active life with firm principles will be prepared to stand unsullied amid the moral pollutions of this corrupt age.^{19Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 75.} ML 72.6

“Who, O Lord, shall stand when thou appearest?” Only those who have clean hands and a pure heart shall abide in the day of His coming.... As you hope to be finally exalted to join the society of sinless angels and to live in an atmosphere where there is not the least taint of sin, seek purity; for nothing else will abide the searching test of the day of God and be received into a pure and holy heaven.^{20Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 130, 131.} ML 72.7