And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23, 24. RC 289.1
True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary acquirements; but above information it values power; above power, goodness; above intellectual acquirements, character. The world does not so much need men of great intellect as of a noble character. It needs men in whom ability is controlled by steadfast principle.RC 289.2
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:7). “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright” (chap. 15:2). True education imparts this wisdom. It teaches the best use not only of one but of all our powers and acquirements. Thus it covers the whole circle of obligation—to ourselves, to the world, and to God. RC 289.3
Character building is the most important work ever entrusted to human beings; and never before was its diligent study so important as now. Never was any previous generation called to meet issues so momentous; never before were young men and young women confronted by perils so great as confront them today…. RC 289.4
In true education the selfish ambition, the greed for power, the disregard for the rights and needs of humanity, that are the curse of our world, find a counterinfluence. God’s plan of life has a place for every human being. Each is to improve his talents to the utmost; and faithfulness in doing this, be the gifts few or many, entitles one to honor. In God’s plan there is no place for selfish rivalry. Those who measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves among themselves, are not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12). Whatever we do is to be done “as of the ability which God giveth” (1 Peter 4:11)…. RC 289.5
In every generation and in every land the true foundation and pattern for character building have been the same. The divine law, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart …; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27), the great principle made manifest in the character and life of our Saviour, is the only secure foundation and the only sure guide…. RC 289.6
It is as true now as when the words were spoken to Israel of obedience to His commandments: “This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations” (Deuteronomy 4:6). RC 289.7
Here is the only safeguard for individual integrity, for the purity of the home, the well-being of society, or the stability of the nation. Amidst all life’s perplexities and dangers and conflicting claims the one safe and sure rule is to do what God says.—Education, 225-229. RC 289.8
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for ever teaching us, warning us, loving us—that we might rightly and lovingly represent You in this world. Please bless us to be recognized as Your children, people of sound character and strict integrity, with bowels of mercy such as You. Please cause us to wholly obey Your will. Thank You for we pray in the holy name of Jesus, Your Son and our Savior. Amen.
Today’s devotional is a slight departure from the book The Desire of Ages, but is in sync with the lesson of character and how critical it is in extreme situations.
When we read the devotional in our worship session at the lifestyle center yesterday, it seemed a perfect fit for our study. I had to share!
We have seen professed priests of God on the one end, the lovingly faithful, wise and resolute Jesus on the other, with Pilate vacillating between the the two, until he unwittingly settles himself on the side of the professed priests by simply symbolically washing his hands of the matter, while making no further effort to save the Innocent from the cruel crucifixion.
May God bless us daily to develop a character fitting to represent Him in any and all circumstances. —-Audrey
If you normally receive these devotionals as a text, please note that several emergencies happened to interrupt the normal sequence of delivery, including tech issues and the recent passing of my mother.
I expect more interruptive challenges in 2024, as I coordinate seminars and conferences online or onsite in September, October, November, and December. Join us! Visit https://www.ucheepines.org/events
Therefore, if you miss a devotional text from me, visit
https://baiom.org/author/audreystovall/
where devotionals are first posted. From there devotionals are shared to my page on FB, LinkedIn, and Signal (in Stories).
NOTE: These devotionals began as daily texts to encourage my academy roommate and dear friend of nearly 50 years, until she suddenly passed March 2023. Now I continue to compile and send them to anyone who will receive them and to her family in honor of their mom.
It is a prayerful process that may lead me to share from my personal study a Bible verse or passage and suitable commentary (or vice versa) and add a prayer. Some days, only a Scripture and prayer are ordered. I might even add a song.
Lately, I have begun featuring consecutive chapter portions of a select Bible-based book.
If you agree to continue receiving them, then this is my personal gift to you and in this way, I not only honor God but the memory of a very dear friend whom I desperately miss.
These are posted at baiom.org and shared on FaceBook and LinkedIn. I also text to my family, other loved ones, and contacts that add up to more than 120.
My personal prayer is that God will bless me to find ways to multiply this gift, so that we all may be encouraged to be found faithful in the sight of a Holy God, whenever Christ returns or our eyes are shut in the sleep of death.
So please feel free to forward to your loved ones or to anyone, as God leads you. I’m calling them Barb’s Devotionals.
Also Note! If at any time you prefer to stop receiving these as texts, then simply reply “Stop.”