Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

On the contrary, it refines the taste, sanctifies the judgment, and purifies and
ennobles the thoughts, bringing them into captivity to Christ. God's ideal for
His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. He has
given in His holy law a transcript of His character.
The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. There is opened before
us a path of constant advancement. We have an object to gain, a standard to
reach, that includes everything good and pure and noble and elevated. There
should be continual striving and constant progress onward and upward
toward perfection of character.
We shall be individually, for time and eternity, what our habits make us.
The lives of those who form right habits, and are faithful in the performance
of every duty, will be as shining lights, shedding bright beams upon the
pathway of others; but if habits of unfaithfulness are indulged, if lax,
indolent, neglectful habits are allowed to strengthen, a cloud darker than
midnight will settle on the prospects in this life and forever debar the
individual from the future life.
Blessed is he who heeds the words of eternal life. Guided by "the Spirit
of truth," he will be led into all truth. He will not be loved, honored, and
praised by the world; but he will be precious in the sight of heaven. "Behold,
what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be
called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew
Him not." 1 John 3:1
Live Courageously Today
The truth of God received into the heart is able to make you wise unto
salvation. In believing and obeying it you will receive grace sufficient for the
duties and trials of today. Grace for tomorrow you do not need. You should
feel that you have only to do with today. Overcome for today; deny self for
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