BUILDING A CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
“Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part you shall make me to know wisdom.” Psalm 51:6.
Religion is not pretence. All shallowness must be avoided. Christian character is built by receiving and believing in Christ. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). The true Christian carefully cherishes the truth, realizing that it is more precious than gold. He has an argument that is proof against all the assaults of the enemy.
Nothing but the truth of God can meet the needs of the soul. This truth must be enshrined in the heart, becoming a part of the life. Thus an experience is gained that makes the soul watchful, careful to do nothing that would be out of harmony with the will of Him who died that men and women might have eternal life. He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. He knows how to succour those who are tempted. – The Upward Look, p. 214.
He who lives the principles of Bible religion, will not be found weak in moral power. Under the ennobling influence of the Holy Spirit, the tastes and inclinations become pure and holy. Nothing takes so strong a hold upon the affections, nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives of action, nothing exerts so potent an influence upon the life, and gives so great firmness and stability to the character, as the religion of Christ. It leads its possessor ever upward, inspiring him with noble purposes, teaching him propriety of deportment, and imparting a becoming dignity to every action. –Gospel Workers, p. 127.