Section 1—The Study of the Mind
Chapter 5—The Fanatical Mind
[Note: Webster defines fanaticism as “excessive enthusiasm” or “unreasoning zeal.”—Compilers.]
Fanatics and Fanaticism Will Press In—We are living in a time when every phase of fanaticism will press its way in among believers and unbelievers. Satan will come in, speaking lies in hypocrisy. Everything that he can invent to deceive men and women will be brought forward.—Letter 121, 1901
How Satan Does It—We have found in our experience that if Satan cannot keep souls bound in the ice of indifference, he will try to push them into the fire of fanaticism. When the Spirit of the Lord comes among His people, the enemy seizes his opportunity to work also upon different minds and lead them to mingle their own peculiar traits of character with the work of God. Thus there is always danger that they may allow their own spirit to mingle with the work and that unwise moves may be made. Many carry on a work of their own devising that is not prompted by God.—Letter 34, 1889 (Similar to Testimonies for the Church 5:644.)
Result of Cherishing Defective Tendencies—There are some who will not hear. So long have they chosen to follow their own way and their own wisdom, so long have they cherished defective hereditary and cultivated tendencies of character, that they are blind and cannot see afar off. By them, principles are perverted, false standards are raised, tests are made that bear not the signature of Heaven…. Some of these very ones make their boasts in the Lord as a people who do righteousness and forsake not the ordinances of their God.—Manuscript 138, 1902.
Bereft of a Healthy Mental Attitude—Those taken in Satan’s snare have not yet come to a healthy mental attitude. They are dazed, self-important, self-sufficient. Oh, with what sorrow the Lord looks upon them and hears their great swelling words of vanity. They are puffed up with pride. The enemy is looking on with surprise at their being taken captive so easily.—Letter 126, 1906
Spurious Humility—Much fitful, spurious humility is seen among professed Christians. Some, determined to conquer self, place themselves as low as possible; but they try only in their own strength, and the next wave of praise or flattery carries them up out of sight. They are not willing to submit wholly to God, and He cannot work through them.
Take no glory whatever to yourself. Do not work with a divided mind, trying to serve God and self at the same time. Keep self out of sight. Let your words lead the weary and heavy-laden to Jesus, the compassionate Saviour. Work as seeing Him who is at your right hand, ready to give you strength for service. Your only safety is in entire dependence upon Christ.—The Review and Herald, May 11, 1897.
Too Much Made of a Happy Flight of Feeling—Some are not satisfied with a meeting unless they have a powerful and happy time. They work for this and get up an excitement of feeling. But the influence of such meetings is not beneficial. When the happy flight of feeling is gone, they sink lower than before the meeting because their happiness did not come from the right source. The most profitable meetings for spiritual advancement are those which are characterized with solemnity and deep searching of heart; each seeking to know himself and earnestly, and in deep humility, seeking to learn of Christ.—Testimonies for the Church 1:412 (1864).
Strange Exercises—By such fanaticism as we have lately had among us in California in peculiar exercises and the claim of power to cast out devils, Satan is seeking to deceive if possible the very elect. These persons, claiming to have a special message for our people, would charge one and another with being possessed of an evil spirit. Then after praying with them they would declare the devil cast out. The result of their work testified of its character. I was bidden to say to our people that the Lord was not in these strange exercises but that such exhibitions would deceive souls to their ruin unless they were warned, and Bible truth would be perverted.—Letter 12, 1909
Naturally Combative—Some are naturally combative. They do not care whether they harmonize with their brethren or not. They would like to enter into controversy, would like to fight for their particular ideas; but they should lay this aside, for it is not developing the Christian graces. Work with all your power to answer the prayer of Christ, that His disciples may be one, as He is one with the Father. Not a soul of us is safe unless we learn of Christ daily, His meekness and lowliness.
In your labor do not be dictatorial, do not be severe, do not be antagonistic. Preach the love of Christ, and this will melt and subdue hearts. Seek to be of one mind and one judgment with your brethren and to speak the same things. This talking about divisions because all do not have the same ideas as present themselves to your mind is not the work of God but of the enemy. Talk the simple truth wherein you can agree. Talk of unity; do not become narrow and conceited; let your mind broaden.—Manuscript 111, 1894.
https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/77.213#213
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word, which warns us against the deceptions of the enemy of God and our souls. Please bless us to have that true religion, which ennobles the mind, refines the taste, sanctifies the judgment, and makes us partakers of the purity and the holiness of Heaven. Please bless us so that a new and divine character may be formed within us, and the debasement of sin overcome. Please bless us so that our minds remain under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, that Satan cannot mold us as he chooses. Please bless us to be strong and healthy mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and to allow ourselves to be cultivated almost to the excellence of angels. Because we ask all these in the Awesome name of Almighty Jesus the Christ, we say Thank You and Amen.
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DID YOU KNOW THIS…? Isaiah 26:3 KJV — Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. [The WORD OF GOD—It’s the only flesh tthat is safe to eat (meditate on) to live forever!]
Are you a scion? Do you feel wild, without a place to feel at home or useful? I pray this might touch you in the way it did me. Watch…
https://www.youtube.com/live/2QB6fcwVuws?si=fsEvZU-rkI-BngfD
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