Section 14—Social Relations
[402]
It is through the social relations that Christianity comes in contact
with the world. Every man or woman who has received the divine
illumination is to shed light on the dark pathway of those who are
unacquainted with the better way. Social power, sanctified by the
Spirit of Christ, must be improved in bringing souls to the
Saviour.—The Ministry of Healing, 496.
[403] Chapter 136—Social to Save
The example of Christ in linking Himself with the interests of
humanity should be followed by all who preach His word, and by all
who have received the gospel of His grace. We are not to renounce
social communion. We should not seclude ourselves from others. In
order to reach all classes, we must meet them where they are. They
will seldom seek us of their own accord. Not alone from the pulpit
are the hearts of men touched by divine truth. There is another field
of labor, humbler, it may be, but fully as promising. It is found in the
home of the lowly, and in the mansion of the great; at the hospitable
board, and in gatherings for innocent social enjoyment.
As disciples of Christ we shall not mingle with the world from a
mere love of pleasure, to unite with them in folly. Such associations
can result only in harm. We should never give sanction to sin by
our words or our deeds, our silence or our presence. Wherever
we go, we are to carry Jesus with us, and to reveal to others the
preciousness of our Saviour. But those who try to preserve their
religion by hiding it within stone walls lose precious opportunities
of doing good. Through the social relations, Christianity comes
in contact with the world. Every one who has received the divine
illumination is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the
Light of life.
We should all become witnesses for Jesus. Social power, sancti-
[404] fied by the grace of Christ, must be improved in winning souls to
the Saviour. Let the world see that we are not selfishly absorbed in
our own interests, but that we desire others to share our blessings
and privileges. Let them see that our religion does not make us
unsympathetic or exacting. Let all who profess to have found Christ
minister as He did for the benefit of men.
We should never give to the world the false impression that
Christians are a gloomy, unhappy people. If our eyes are fixed
on Jesus, we shall see a compassionate Redeemer, and shall catch
light from His countenance. Wherever His spirit reigns, there peace
362
Social to Save 363
abides. And there will be joy also, for there is a calm, holy trust in
God.
Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though
human, they are partakers of the divine nature. They are not statues,
but living men and women. Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of
divine grace, open and expand to the Sun of Righteousness. The
light that shines upon them they reflect upon others in works that are
luminous with the love of Christ.—The Desire of Ages, 152, 153.
Association Influences Destiny
God’s word places great stress upon the influence of association,
even on men and women. How much greater is its power on the
developing mind and character of children and youth! The company
they keep, the principles they adopt, the habits they form, will decide
the question of their usefulness here, and of their future destiny.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 220. [405]
Chapter 137—Christian Sociability and Courtesy
Christian sociability is altogether too little cultivated by God’s
people. This branch of education should not be neglected or lost
sight of in our schools.
Students should be taught that they are not independent atoms,
but that each one is a thread which is to unite with other threads in
composing a fabric. In no department can this instruction be more
effectually given than in the school home. Here students are daily
surrounded by opportunities which, if improved, will greatly aid in
developing the social traits of their characters. It lies in their own
power so to improve their time and opportunities as to develop a
character that will make them happy and useful. Those who shut
themselves up within themselves, who are unwilling to be drawn
upon to bless others by friendly associations, lose many blessings;
for by mutual contact minds receive polish and refinement; by social
intercourse acquaintances are formed and friendships contracted
which result in a unity of heart and an atmosphere of love which is
pleasing in the sight of heaven.
Especially should those who have tasted the love of Christ develop
their social powers, for in this way they may win souls to the
Saviour. Christ should not be hid away in their hearts, shut in as a
coveted treasure, sacred and sweet, to be enjoyed solely by themselves;
nor should the love of Christ be manifested toward those only
[406] who please their fancy. Students are to be taught the Christlikeness
of exhibiting a kindly interest, a social disposition, toward those who
are in the greatest need, even though these may not be their own
chosen companions. At all times and in all places Jesus manifested
a loving interest in the human family, and shed about Him the light
of a cheerful piety. Students should be taught to follow in His steps.
They should be taught to manifest Christian interest, sympathy, and
love for their youthful companions, and endeavor to draw them to
Jesus; Christ should be in their hearts as a well of water springing up
into everlasting life, refreshing all with whom they come in contact.
364
Christian Sociability and Courtesy 365
It is this willing, loving ministry for others in times of necessity
that is accounted precious with God. Thus even while attending
school, students may, if true to their profession, be living missionaries
for God. All this will take time; but the time thus employed
is profitably spent, for in this way the student is learning how to
present Christianity to the world.
Christ did not refuse to mingle with others in friendly intercourse.
When invited to a feast by Pharisee or publican, He accepted the
invitation. On such occasions every word that He uttered was a
savor of life unto life to His hearers; for He made the dinner hour an
occasion of imparting many precious lessons adapted to their needs.
Christ thus taught His disciples how to conduct themselves when
in the company of those who were not religious as well as of those
who were.—Testimonies for the Church 6:172, 173. [407]
Chapter 138—Guiding Principles
The heart belongs to Jesus. He has paid an infinite price for the
soul; and He intercedes before the Father as our Mediator, pleading
not as a petitioner, but as conqueror who would claim that which
is His own. He is able to save to the uttermost, for He ever lives
to make intercession for us. A young heart is a precious offering,
the most valuable gift that can be presented to God. All that you
are, all the ability you possess, comes from God a sacred trust, to be
rendered back to Him again in a willing, holy offering. You cannot
give to God anything that He has not first given you. Therefore when
the heart is given to God, it is giving to Him a gift which he has
purchased and is His own.
There are many claimants to the time, the affections, and the
strength of youth. Satan claims the youth as his property, and a
vast number render to him all the ability, all the talent, they possess.
The world claims the heart; but that heart belongs to the One who
redeemed it. If given to the world, it will be filled with care, sorrow,
and disappointed hopes; it will become impure and corrupted. It
would be the worst kind of robbery to give to the world your heart’s
affections and service, for they belong to God. You cannot with
profit give your heart to pleasure-seeking.
The enemy of righteousness has every kind of pleasure prepared
[408] for youth in all conditions of life; and they are not presented alone in
crowded cities, but in every spot inhabited by human beings. Satan
loves to secure the youth in his ranks as soldiers. The arch fiend
well knows with what material he has to deal; and he has displayed
his infernal wisdom in devising customs and pleasures for the youth
which will separate their affections from Jesus Christ....
The Prodigal
The lesson of the prodigal is given for the instruction of youth.
In his life of pleasure and sinful indulgence, he expends his portion
366
Guiding Principles 367
of the inheritance in riotous living. He is friendless, and in a strange
country; clad in rags, hungry, longing even for the refuse fed to
the swine. His last hope is to return, penitent and humbled, to his
father’s house, where he is welcomed, forgiven, and taken back to
a father’s heart. Many youth are doing as he did, living a careless,
pleasure-loving, spendthrift life, forsaking the fountain of living
waters, the fountain of true pleasure, and hewing out to themselves
broken cisterns, which can hold no water.
God’s Gracious Invitation
God’s invitation comes to each youth, “My son, give Me thine
heart; I will keep it pure; I will satisfy its longings with true happiness.”
God loves to make the youth happy, and that is why He would
have them give their hearts into His keeping, that all the God-given
faculties of the being may be kept in a vigorous, healthful condition.
They are holding God’s gift of life. He makes the heart beat; he
gives strength to every faculty. Pure enjoyment will not debase one [409]
of God’s gifts. We sin against our own bodies, and sin against God,
when seeking pleasures which separate our affections from God.
The youth are to consider that they are placed in the world on trial,
to see whether they have characters that will fit them to live with
angels.
When your associates urge you into paths of vice and folly,
and all around you are tempting you to forget God, to destroy the
capabilities God has intrusted to you, and to debase all that is noble in
your nature, resist them. Remember that you are the Lord’s property,
bought with a price, the suffering and agony of the Son of God....
The Lord Jesus claims your service. He loves you. If you doubt
His love, look to Calvary. The light reflected from the cross shows
you the magnitude of that love which no tongue can tell. “He that
keepeth My commandments, he it is that loveth Me.” We are to
become acquainted by diligent study with the commandments of
God; and then show that we are His obedient sons and daughters.
368 Messages to Young People
Surrounded by God’s Mercies
The mercies of God surround you every moment; and it would be
profitable for you to consider how and whence your blessings come
every day. Let the precious blessings of God awaken gratitude in
you. You cannot number the blessings of God, the constant lovingkindness
expressed to you, for they are as numerous as the refreshing
[410] drops of rain. Clouds of mercy are hanging over you, and ready to
drop upon you. If you will appreciate the valuable gift of salvation,
you will be sensible of daily refreshment, of the protection and love
of Jesus; you will be guided in the way of peace.
Look upon the glorious things of God in nature, and let your
heart go out in gratitude to the Giver. There is in nature’s book
profitable study for the mind. Be not thankless and reckless. Open
the eyes of your understanding; see the beautiful harmony in the
laws of God in nature, and be awed, and reverence your Creator, the
supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. See him, by the eye of faith,
bending over you in love, saying with compassion, “My son, my
daughter, give Me thy heart.” Make the surrender to Jesus, and then
with grateful hearts you can say, “I know that my Redeemer liveth.”
Your faith in Jesus will give strength to every purpose, consistency
to the character.
All your happiness, peace, joy, and success in this life are dependent
upon genuine, trusting faith in God. This faith will prompt
true obedience to the commandments of God. Your knowledge and
faith in God is the strongest restraint from every evil practice, and
the motive to all good.
Believe in Jesus as one who pardons your sins, one who wants
you to be happy in the mansions He has gone to prepare for you. He
wants you to live in His presence; to have eternal life and a crown
[411] of glory.—The Youth’s Instructor, January 5, 1887.
Chapter 139—The Influence of Association
