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A Noble Character

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 10, 1910

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 45.

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A Noble Character

By Albert Weeks

ALBERT WEEKS
God regards it as noble to be honest and earnest in his service, to strive diligently to learn his will. It is said of the Bereans, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.
To seek to learn what is right, and then to carry out these right principles in the life, will meet the approval of our blessed Lord. "Not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." 2 Cor. 10:18. In the Judgment the Lord "both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart; and then shall every man have praise of God." 1 Cor. 4:5.
In our efforts for nobility of character, it is well to consider the example of our Saviour. The most prominent characteristic of our Lord was love,—love for the sinful as well as the righteous. He left the glory of heaven, and came to this cold, dark world, because he loved men, and longed to save them from sin and its results. He is full of mercy, and he expects those who follow him to manifest this grace. Thus he says, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." "Resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matt. 5:7, 9, 39, 44, 45.
These are noble principles. They are not natural to the human heart; but when they are seen, they show that the person has been with the Saviour and learned of him. Resentment, revenge, grudging, and all attempts to injure our fellow men are put away by the sweet influence of the Spirit of God. Love for all God's creatures has taken its place in the heart. The carnal mind is subdued. Thus the soul is preparing for eternal life in the land where love rules.
Smith's Creek, Mich.