"BE YE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST."
JESUS took our nature, and came to our world marred by the curse of sin, because he loved us. That he might rescue us from the pit of destruction into which we had fallen, he drank the cup of human woe and misery to its very dregs. He resisted all the temptations that Satan can bring to bear upon fallen man, yet without sin, thus showing that none, whether young or old, need feel helpless even when sorely tempted. He encircles us in arms of love and pity, while be grasps the throne of the Eternal, thus connecting us in our sinfulness and helplessness with the infinite God. He loves each of you, dear young friends, with a love that is deeper, more fervent, and more changeless than your parents can possibly feel for you; and you may trust in him just as confidingly as you would trust in them. He was
made subject to Satan's temptations, that he might
teach you how to resist and overcome him; and
he will hear you when you pray, and will help you.
Be careful to follow the example of Jesus. As
the sun-flower is constantly turning its open blossom
to the sun, so let your heart, your thoughts,
ever turn to Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness. Do
not make self a center, and your pleasures and
your wishes first. Seek the good of others; study
to be a blessing to them, and to glorify your
Creator. This is the only way to overcome selfishness.
If you educate yourself to make your
interest first, self-love will become an absorbing
passion, and out of it will grow great evils; such
as love of supremacy, and the desire to be thought
very good, whether you deserve the good opinion
you covet or not. These ambitious desires originated
with Satan, and are the ruling principles in
his character; and through the fall, and through
the influence of his continued temptations, men
have become like him in character, in motives,
and pursuits. Man has steadily declined in moral
excellence, until he has almost lost the image of
the Lord, in whose likeness he was created.
Young friends, Jesus can renew his image in
your soul, but it must be by your consent and
cooperation. He rejoices to save all who will come
to him, however low they may have fallen.
Through him, you may be "partakers of the
divine nature, having escaped the corruption that
is in the world through lust." The grace and
perfection of Christ make up for our deficiencies;
his character and righteousness are imputed to his
believing, obedient children.
If you would have a religion that will stand the
test of the last great day, or that will not fail you
when you are brought face to face with death, you
must not take as your standard public opinion
even in the Christian world. When the shadows
gather about the soul, you will not regret that you
attended so few places of amusement, that you
took part in so few jovial scenes, and knew so
little of worldly dissipation. In that solemn hour,
how will your life-work be revealed in the light of
eternity? Be careful, dear youth, to make no
mistake where eternal interests are concerned.
Cherish no uncertain faith, no unsound hope.
Move understandingly, in a sure path. Avail
yourselves of every means that will help you to
become acquainted with Him in whom your hopes
of eternal life are centered.
If you abide in Christ, if he is in you, a well of
water springing up into everlasting life, you will
feast on the manna of a Saviour's love, and will
have little relish for worldly amusements; for
worldly things cannot satisfy the soul that is
hungering and thirsting after righteousness.
Religion will not make you gloomy or sad. How
can it, when it brings your soul into harmony
with Heaven, and fills the heart with light and
peace and joy? Discontent, sadness, and gloom
are the result of letting worldly pleasures and
exciting festivities separate you from Christ.
Young friends, if you take the name of Christ,
seek to be all that your profession implies. Be
real in your faith and in your works. The reason
that there are so few live, earnest testimonies in
favor of Christ and the Christian religion, is because
so many profess to be Christians who have
never experienced the saving love of Jesus. They
are not bound to him by cords of living faith.
Dear youth, I invite you to try the whole-hearted
way, the surrender of all to God. Cheerfully lift
the cross, and if need be, gladly suffer reproach
for the dear name of Christ. Then his yoke will
not be galling to your neck; it will be easy, and
his burden light.
MRS. E. G. WHITE.