Character a Quality of the Soul

[devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org]

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 Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 28
 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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Character a Quality of the Soul

No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is 
above rubies. Job 28:18. 


A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that 
we can take from this world to the next. Those who are under the instruction 
of Christ in this world will take every divine attainment with them to the 
heavenly mansions. And in heaven we are continually to improve. . . . 

Mental ability and genius are not character, for these are often possessed by 
those who have the very opposite of a good character. Reputation is not 
character. True character is a quality of the soul, revealing itself in the 
conduct. 

A good character is a capital of more value than gold or silver. It is 
unaffected by panics or failures, and in that day when earthly possessions 
shall be swept away, it will bring rich returns. Integrity, firmness, and 
perseverance are qualities that all should seek earnestly to cultivate; for 
they clothe the possessor with a power which is irresistible--a power which 
makes him strong to do good, strong to resist evil, strong to bear adversity. 

Strength of character consists of two things--power of will and power of self-
control. Many youth mistake strong, uncontrolled passion for strength of 
character; but the truth is that he who is mastered by his passions is a weak 
man. The real greatness and nobility of the man is measured by his powers to 
subdue his feelings, not by the power of his feelings to subdue him. The 
strongest man is he who, while sensitive to abuse, will yet restrain passion 
and forgive his enemies. 

If it were considered as important that the young possess a beautiful 
character and amiable disposition as it is that they imitate the fashions of 
the world in dress and deportment, we would see hundreds where there is one 
today coming upon the stage of active life prepared to exert an ennobling 
influence upon society. 


>From Maranatha - Page 224