Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

There are some around you who have been religiously instructed, and
some who have been indulged, petted, flattered, and praised until they have
been literally spoiled for practical life. I am speaking in regard to persons
that I know. Their characters are so warped by indulgence, flattery, and
indolence that they are useless for this life. And if useless so far as this life is
concerned, what may we hope for that life where all is purity and holiness,
and where all have harmonious characters? I have prayed for these persons; I
have addressed them personally. I could see the influence that they would
exert over other minds in leading them to vanity, love of dress, and
carelessness in regard to their eternal interests. The only hope for this class is
for them to take heed to their ways, humble their proud, vain hearts before
God, make confession of their sins, and be converted.
Develop a Taste for Spiritual Things
The only safety for the young is in unceasing watchfulness and humble
prayer. They need not flatter themselves that they can be Christians without
these. Satan conceals his temptations and his devices under a cover of light,
as when he approached Christ in the wilderness. He was then in appearance
as one of the heavenly angels. The adversary of our souls will approach us as
a heavenly guest, and the apostle recommends sobriety and vigilance as our
only safety. The young who indulge in carelessness and levity, and who
neglect Christian duties, are continually falling under the temptations of the
enemy, instead of overcoming as Christ overcame.
Many profess to be on the Lord's side, but they are not; the weight of all
their actions is on Satan's side. By what means shall we determine whose
side we are on? Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Upon
whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best
energies? If we are on the Lord's side, our thoughts are with Him, and our
sweetest thoughts are of Him. We have no friendship with the world; we
have consecrated all that we have and are to Him. We long to bear His
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