Video Ministries

The Fruits of Self-Denial

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory
of God. 1 Cor. 10:31.

You do not realize the claims that the Lord has upon you. You have not
become acquainted with the sweet results of self-denial. Its fruits are
sacred. . . . Instead of purchasing frivolous things, put your little into
the bank of heaven, that when the Master comes you may receive both
principal and interest. . . .

Religion, pure and undefiled, with its strong principles, would prove to you
an anchor. In order to answer life's great ends you must avoid the example
of those who are seeking for their own pleasure and enjoyment, and who have
not the fear of God before them. God has made provisions for you that are
ample. He has provided that if you comply with the conditions laid down in
His Word, and separate from the world, you may receive strength from Him to
repress every debasing influence and develop that which is noble, good, and
elevating. Christ will be in you "a well of water springing up into
everlasting life." The will, the intellect, and every emotion, when
controlled by religion, have a transforming power.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the
glory of God." Here is a principle which lies at the foundation of every
act, thought, and motive; the consecration of the entire being, both
physical and mental, to the control of the Spirit of God. The unsanctified
will and passions must be crucified. This may be regarded as a close and
severe work. Yet it must be done, or you will hear the terrible sentence
from the mouth of Jesus: "Depart." You can do all things through Christ, who
strengtheneth you. You are of that age when the will, the appetite, and the
passions clamor for indulgence. God has implanted these in your nature for
high and holy purposes. It is not necessary that they should become a curse
to you by being debased. They will become this only when you refuse to
submit to the control of reason and conscience. Restrain, deny, are words
and works with which you are not familiar by experience. Temptations have
swayed you. Unsanctified minds fail to receive that strength and comfort
that God has provided for them. They are restless and possess a strong
desire for something new, something to gratify, to please and excite the
mind; and this is called pleasure. Satan has alluring charms to engage the
interest and excite the imagination of the youth in particular, that he may
fasten them to his snare . . . . You need to cry earnestly: "O Lord, my
inmost soul convert." You can have an influence for good over other young
people. . . . May the God of peace sanctify you wholly, soul, body, and
spirit (Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 83, 84).

>From Lift Him Up - Page 262

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