Habits and Character Building {a devotional}
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Proverbs 4:14.
Few
realize the power of habit. Inspiration asks, “Can the Ethiopian change
his skin, or the leopard his spots?” and adds, “then may ye also do
good that are accustomed to do evil.” Jeremiah 13:23.
This is a solemn assertion.... But there is comfort and courage in the
reflection that if evil habits acquire such force that it seems almost
impossible to turn in the right direction, the power of good habits is
equally strong. The results of each day’s work, whether the tendency be
to elevate us in the scale of moral worth or to push us downward toward
perdition, are influenced by the days that have preceded it. Defeat
today prepares the way for still greater defeat tomorrow; victory today
ensures an easier victory tomorrow. Then how careful we should be to see
that the habits and characters we are forming are correct and
virtuous....
Young
friends, restrain your feet from all evil ways.... Men may discipline
themselves to do right. Like Daniel they may have a Heaven-born purpose
in their hearts that they will not defile soul or body, notwithstanding
the degeneracy and corruption of the age. God gave Daniel “knowledge and
skill in all learning and wisdom.” Daniel 1:17.
His blessing attended the man who put forth human effort in accordance
with the divine will. The same help will still be given to all who
pursue a similar course, and with the glory of God in view practice
abstinence and self-restraint. The same difference will be seen between
them and the self-indulgent that there was between Daniel and his
fellows and the other youth in the king’s court. There will be the clear
eye and complexion, the firm tread, the strength and vigor of
intellect, the keen perception of spiritual truth.
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