Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

I shrink always from the almost sure result which follows in the wake of
these amusements. It leads to an outlay of means that should be expended in
bringing the light of truth to souls that are perishing out of Christ. The
amusements and expenditures of means for self-pleasing, which lead on step
by step to self-glorifying, and the educating in these games for pleasure
produce a love and passion for such things that is not favorable to the
perfection of Christian character.
Association and Correct Habits
Young persons who are thrown into one another's society may make
their association a blessing or a curse. They may edify, bless, and strengthen
one another, improving in deportment, in disposition, in knowledge; or, by
permitting themselves to become careless and unfaithful, they may exert
only a demoralizing influence.
Jesus will be the helper of all who put their trust in Him. Those who are
connected with Christ have happiness at their command. They follow in the
path where their Saviour leads, for His sake crucifying self with the
affections and lusts. These persons have built their hopes on Christ, and the
storms of earth are powerless to sweep them from the sure foundation.
It rests with yourselves, young men and women, whether you will
become persons of trust, of integrity and real usefulness. You should be
ready and resolute to take your stand for the right, under all circumstances.
Our wrong habits cannot be taken to heaven with us, and unless overcome
here, they will shut us out of the abode of the righteous. Bad habits, when
opposed, will offer the most vigorous resistance; but if the warfare is kept up
with energy and perseverance, they may be conquered.
In order to form correct habits, we should seek the company of persons
of sound moral and religious influence.
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