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

BOOKS / 2MCP - Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2 (1977) / Chap. 89 -
Positive Influences on the Mind
Chap. 89 - Positive Influences on the Mind
Gratitude Promotes Health.--Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of
soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy,
discontented thoughts and feelings--as much a duty as it is to pray.--MH 251 (1905).
{2MCP 797.1}
Owners of Mental and Physical Capabilities.--How natural it is to regard ourselves
as complete owners of ourselves! But the Inspired Word declares, "Ye are not your
own. . . . Ye are bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). . . . In our relation to our
fellowmen we are owners of our entrusted mental and physical capabilities. In our
relation to God we are borrowers, stewards of His grace.--Lt 44, 1900. (HC 40.) {2MCP
797.2}
Aim to Reach a State of Unity.--It is the will of God that union and brotherly love
should exist among His people. The prayer of Christ just before His crucifixion was that
His disciples might be one as He is one with the Father, that the world might believe
that God had sent Him. This most touching and wonderful prayer reaches down the
ages, even to our day; for His words were, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them
also which shall believe on Me through their word" (John 17:20).
798 {2MCP 797.3}
While we are not to sacrifice one principle of truth, it should be our constant aim to
reach this state of unity. This is the evidence of our discipleship. Said Jesus, "By this
shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John
13:35). The apostle Peter exhorts the church, "Be ye all of one mind, having
compassion one of another; love as brethren" (1 Peter 3:8).--PP 520 (1890). {2MCP
798.1}
Extract the Positive From Environment.--You have all seen on the bosom of the
lake the beautiful white lily. How anxious we have been, how we have wished and
worked that we might get that blossom. No matter how much scum and debris and filth
there is around it, yet that does not destroy your desire for the lily. We wonder how the
lily can be so beautiful and white where there is so much filth. {2MCP 798.2}
Well, there is a stem that strikes down to the golden sands beneath and gathers
nothing but the purest substance that feeds the lily until it develops into the pure and
spotless flower, as we see it. Should not this teach us a lesson? It ought to. It shows
that although there is iniquity all around us we should not approach it. Do not talk of the
iniquity and wickedness that are in the world but elevate your minds and talk of your
Saviour. When you see iniquity all around you, it makes you all the more glad that He is
your Saviour and we are His children. {2MCP 798.3}
Then shall we look at the iniquity around us and dwell upon the dark side? You