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The Youth’s Instructor

380/477

May 16, 1901

Character-Building

EGW

God gives us strength, reasoning power, time, in order that we may build characters on which he can place his stamp of approval. He desires each child of his to build a noble character, by the doing of pure, noble deeds, that in the end he may present a symmetrical structure, a fair temple, honored by man and God. YI May 16, 1901, par. 1

In our character-building we must build on Christ. He is the sure foundation,—a foundation which can never be moved. The tempest of temptation and trial can not move the building which is riveted to the Eternal Rock. YI May 16, 1901, par. 2

He who would grow into a beautiful building for the Lord must cultivate every power of the being. It is only by the right use of the talents that the character can develop harmoniously. Thus we bring to the foundation that which is represented in the Word as gold, silver, precious stones—material that will stand the test of God's purifying fires. YI May 16, 1901, par. 3

In our character-building Christ is our example. He placed himself at the head of the human race to show us how to live in a way that God can approve. He is the only one who has lived a perfect life, who has formed a pure, spotless character. He has shown us what it means to be a perfect human being. He has shown us what God is, and what we are to become,—godlike in character. YI May 16, 1901, par. 4

God does not ask us to carry forward the work of character-building in our own strength. We are not sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves. The Holy Spirit is our efficiency in this work. When we think ourselves capable of molding our character aright, we deceive ourselves. Never can we in our own strength obtain the victory over temptation. But he who trusts in Christ, and submits to the guidance of his Spirit, will grow daily into the likeness of God. His growth will be proportionate to his dependence on the Spirit's help. Such a one in every time of difficulty will turn, and not in vain, to the One who has said. “Come unto me, ... and I will give you rest.” On the one side is the all-wise, all-powerful God, infinite in wisdom, goodness, and compassion; on the other his frail, erring creatures, weak, sinful and absolutely helpless. God proposes to make them laborers together with him in the building of character, and all his mighty power is at their disposal as they co-operate with him. YI May 16, 1901, par. 5

It is one thing to assent to a truth, and another to practice it; one thing to admire the grace of Christ, and another to make that grace our own, reflecting in spirit and person the divine likeness. Many who profess to be children of God are a continual reproach to him because of their unconsecrated lives. They talk about sanctification and holiness. When there is a revival in the church, they mourn over their unchristian lives. They make many good resolutions, but they fail to carry them out. Their goodness is as lasting as the frost before the morning sun. Their words are many, but the Holy Spirit is not with them. YI May 16, 1901, par. 6

He who would build a strong, symmetrical character, who would be a well-balanced Christian, must begin at the foundation. He must crucify self. He must give all and do all for Christ; for the Redeemer accepts no divided service. Daily he must learn the meaning of self-surrender. He must study the word of God, getting its meaning, and seeking to carry out its precepts. Thus he may reach the highest standard of Christian excellence. There is no limit to the spiritual advancement we may make if we are partakers of the divine nature. YI May 16, 1901, par. 7

To be one with Christ, to build a character like his,—this is the high ideal set before us. Let us look earnestly at this ideal, and then strive to reach it. In the councils of love, provision was made to enable us to do this. We may be more than conquerors through him who has loved us. If at times we fail, let us not become discouraged, but try again, looking always to Jesus. Thus we shall become changed into his image. YI May 16, 1901, par. 8

The Christian has the mind that is in Christ. His hopes and aspirations are pure and noble; for he is growing up into Christ. In his daily life he reveals the fragrance of Christ's character. Day by day God works with him, perfecting stroke by stroke the character which is to stand in the day of final test. YI May 16, 1901, par. 9

Mrs. E. G. White