Mind, Character, and Personality Vol. 2 - Second Advent Revival

Remedy for Social Evils.--To this wise provision for the spiritual needs of his
subjects [the appointment of teaching priests], Jehoshaphat owed much of his
prosperity as a ruler. In obedience to God's law there is great gain. In conformity to the
divine requirements there is a transforming power that brings peace and goodwill
among men. If the teachings of God's Word were made the controlling influence in the
life of every man and woman, if mind and heart were brought under its restraining
power, the evils that now exist in national and in social life would find no place. From
every home would go forth an influence that would make men and women strong in
spiritual insight and in moral power, and thus nations and individuals would be placed
on vantage ground.--PK 192 (1917). {2MCP 627.1}
Proper Cultivation of Social Relationships Brings Happiness.--With those who
lived at a distance from the tabernacle, more than a month of every year must have
been occupied in attendance upon the annual feasts. This example of devotion to God
should emphasize the importance of religious worship and the necessity of
subordinating our selfish, worldly interests to those that are spiritual and eternal. {2MCP
627.2}
We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together to
strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. The truths of His Word
lose their vividness and importance in our minds. Our hearts cease to be enlightened
and aroused by the sanctifying influence, and we decline in spirituality. In our
intercourse as Christians we lose much by lack of sympathy with one another. He who
shuts himself up to himself is not filling the position that God designed he should. We
628
are all children of one Father, dependent upon one another for happiness. The claims
of God and of humanity are upon us. It is the proper cultivation of the social elements of
our nature that brings us into sympathy with our brethren and affords us happiness in
our efforts to bless others.--PP 541 (1890). {2MCP 627.3}
Not to Be Governed by Human Standards.--I am constantly presenting the need
of every man doing his best as a Christian, of training himself to realize the growth, the
expansion of mind, the nobility of character, which it is possible for each to have. In all
that we do we are to sustain a Christlike relation to one another. We are to use every
spiritual force for the carrying out of wise plans in earnest action. The gifts of God are to
be used for the saving of souls. Our relations to one another are not to be governed by
human standards but by divine love, the love expressed in the gift of God to our
world.--CT 256 (1913). {2MCP 628.1}
Develop Social Powers for Soul Winning.--Especially should those who have
tasted the love of Christ develop their social powers, for in this way they may win souls
to the Saviour. Christ should not be hid away in their hearts, shut in as a coveted
treasure, sacred and sweet, to be enjoyed solely by themselves; nor should the love of
Christ be manifested toward those only who please their fancy. {2MCP 628.2}
Students are to be taught the Christlikeness of exhibiting a kindly interest, a social