Decision

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 23, 1902

EVERY one should cultivate the faculty of making up his mind on all important subjects without needless delay, and adhering tenaciously to his conclusion. In practical affairs the sooner one proceeds to carry out his purposes after deciding upon a particular course, the better. The young man who hesitates and wavers not only wastes precious time, but wastes his energies also, and weakens the forces which Providence has placed in his hand. His mind is never fully concentrated on his work. Nothing receives his best thought and effort. Such a man cannot reasonably expect success. But one who decides deliberately and intelligently, and proceeds without delay to execute his plans, will surely conquer. He may not be a prodigy of intelligence, his opportunities may be meager and his adversities many; but his decision of character will carry him through. A settled mind is half the battle of life.

In the assay offices of the government very delicate and accurate balances are required. It is no easy task to construct such a balance. For a long time the balances used were sufficiently sensitive, but lacking in decision. They responded instantly to the slightest pressure, but wavered for a long time before settling down to a final result. Valuable time was lost waiting for the decision. At last an invention was made which answers the purpose admirably. The scales now used are both sensitive and decisive. They respond instantly to the slightest pressure, and settle quickly upon the final result. This is a good illustration of a well-balanced mind. A mind which responds instantly to the slightest touch of truth, decides quickly, and holds fast its final conclusion, is well balanced. No one should allow himself to fall into habits of vacillation. Such a habit is ruinous. Be true, be firm. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

In religion, decision of character is yet more important. One may drift into worldly success without appreciating it. We have known men to be elevated to important positions by fortunate combinations of circumstances, and to be kept there by political influence when they were in no way worthy. A man may become rich by the mere accident of birth. He may be a citizen of the most beautiful and prosperous country under the sun without choosing it. But one cannot become good without definitely and intelligently choosing it. Goodness is a treasure which we cannot inherit from our parents. We shall never come into possession of it by accident. We cannot drift into the kingdom of God. Political influence can never give us a place in our Father’s house. It matters not how many excellent qualities we may inherit from our ancestors and acquire by culture, we must deliberately choose

the kingdom of God and his righteousness, or we cannot enter therein. There is no trick nor art nor device of men or the devil whereby the gate of the kingdom can be opened to those who are unworthy. We must desire it, appreciate it, seek it, and choose it for our portion. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” — New York Christian Advocate.