Testimony Treasures, Volume 3 - Ellen G. White

Chapter 30
Self-Control and Fidelity
We have no right to overtax either the mental or the physical powers so
that we are easily excited and led to speak words which dishonor God. The
Lord desires us to be always calm and forbearing. Whatever others may do,
we are to represent Christ, doing as He would do under similar
circumstances.
Every day one in a position of trust has decisions to make on which
depend results of great importance. He has often to think rapidly, and this
can be done successfully only by those who practice strict temperance. The
mind strengthens under the correct treatment of the physical and the mental
powers. If the strain is not too great, it acquires new vigor with every
taxation.
None but a wholehearted Christian can be a true gentleman.
A neglect to conform in every particular to God's requirements means
certain failure and loss to the wrongdoer. Failing to keep the way of the
Lord, he robs his Maker of the service that is His due. This reacts upon
himself; he fails of gaining that grace, that power, that force of character,
which it is the privilege of each to receive who surrenders all to God. Living
apart from Christ, he is exposed to temptation. He makes mistakes in his
work for the Master. Untrue to principle in little things, he fails of doing
God's will in things greater. He acts on the principles to which he has
accustomed himself.
God cannot connect with those who live to please themselves, to make
themselves first. Those who do this will in the end be last of all. The sin that
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