I Live by God's Rules

[Thompson, Darryl]

I Live by God's Rules 

     Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I
delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Ps. 119:35, 36  

     Youth is the time to lay up knowledge in those lines that can be
put into daily practice throughout the life. Youth is the time to
establish good habits, to correct wrong ones, to gain and hold the power
of self-control, to accustom oneself to ordering all the acts of life
with reference to the will of God and the welfare of one's fellow
creatures. Youth is the sowing time that determines the harvest of this
life and the life beyond the grave. The habits formed in childhood and
youth, the tastes acquired, the self-control gained, are almost certain
to determine the future of the man or woman.  

     One selfish thought indulged, one duty neglected, prepares the way
for another. What we venture to do once, we are more apt to do again.
Habits of sobriety, of self-control, of economy, of close application,
of sound, sensible conversation, of patience and true courtesy, are not
gained without diligent, close watching over self. It is much easier to
become demoralized and depraved than to conquer defects, keeping self in
control and cherishing true virtues. Persevering efforts will be
required if the Christian graces are ever perfected in our lives.  

     Let the habit of self-control be early established. Let the youth
be impressed with the thought that they are to be masters, and not
slaves. Of the kingdom within them God has made them rulers, and they
are to exercise their Heaven-appointed kingship. When such instruction
is faithfully given, the results will extend far beyond the youth
themselves. Influences will reach out that will save thousands of men
and women who are on the very brink of ruin.

>From My Life Today - Page 79