Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students - Ellen G. White

may make the best use of the faculties bestowed
upon them. While growing in grace and in
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, they will seek
constantly to put to the stretch their powers of
mind, that they may become intelligent Christians.
The Lord is dishonored by low ideas or designs
on our part. He who does not perceive the binding
claims of God’s law, who neglects to keep its every
requirement, violates the whole law. He who is
content to meet only partially the standard of
righteousness, and who does not triumph over
every spiritual foe, will not fulfill the purpose of
Christ. He cheapens the whole plan of his religious
life and weakens his character. Under the force of
temptation his defects of character gain the
supremacy, and evil triumphs.
To meet the highest standard possible, we need
to be persevering and determined. In many cases
established habits and ideas must be overcome
before we can make advancement in the religious
life. ... The essential work is to conform the tastes,
the appetites, the passions, the motives, the desires,
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