The Two Sides of SuccessWhen you look up the word success it means: A person or thing that achieves desired aims and attains prosper-ity.

Now success is not granted to all because of underly-ing factors. There are established laws and rules upon which success is granted. We are told that in order for success to be granted there must be organization. One that has not even learned order, and systematic harmo-nious action cannot be successful in that which he un-der takes. We are told that the Angels of God are not allowed to bless disorder, confusion, distraction, ir-regularity. “Without order and harmonious action, God cannot bless with success. Therefore it is Satan’s stud-ied effort to keep us in a disorganized, confused, dis-tracted state.” Therefore we are told that the poor will always be with us. There may be those who have order, but not harmonious systematic action, but others that have the harmonious systematic action but they are dis-organized. Many become discouraged, but if they put the two

together they will see results. Where is this skill of or-der and systematic and harmonious action learned? In the home. If the child is taught in his household duties how to be orderly and play his part in that home orga-nization, he/she is learning the most valuable lessons that will spill over into the work life outside the home and it will spill over into his spiritual habits and finally having an eternal entrance into the Kingdom of God. One prime example is that of Joseph who performed well his household duties, that prepared him to perform well the duties as second in command of Kingly duties. We should not regard the household duties as menial. Many a mother allow their son’s to escape the participa-tion in household duties and cripple and bar their way to success in this life. Also having faith and belief in the accomplishment of that which you have undertaken is key. “It is the privilege of parents to take their children with them to the gates of the city of God, saying, “I have tried to instruct my children to love the Lord, to do His will, and to glorify Him.” To such the gate will be thrown open, and parents and children will enter in. But all cannot enter. Some are left outside with their chil-dren,

whose characters have not been transformed by submission to the will of God. A hand is raised, and the words are spoken, “You have neglected home duties. You have failed to do the work that would have fitted the soul for a home in heaven. You can-not enter.” The gates are closed to the children be-cause they have not learned to do the will of God, and to parents because they have neglected the re-sponsibilities resting upon them. [MANUSCRIPT 31, 1909.] {CG 13.1}.27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27.

Therefore this presentation is primarily for those who have reached success. They have put all of it together and have been rewarded with success. But there are still two sides success. In the King James version of the bible there is only one place where the word success is found.

The #1 -Way Side of SuccessJoshua 1:8

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest ob-serve to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success...The #2 Way- Side of SuccessBut there is another side of success that does not come from God: Luke 4:5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.Satan will gladly grant success to those who will bow down and worship him, this requires simply to ignore or disregard the law of God or sin. Christ refused this, but Satan has been much more successful with the children of men. Many violate prin-ciple to obtain and retain this success.

God does grant success, but only in His appointed way. With God a person is truly successful when they are

displaying in their lives, inwardly and outwardly-The Way of Success #1. But with Satan he requires only disobedience to the Law of God, The Way #2-Side of Success. And by disobedience to God we are worshiping Satan and paying homage to him. “To Satan’s demand for worship, Christ answered: {SJ 47.5} “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” Matthew 4:3-10. {SJ 47.6} The love of the world, the lust for power, and the pride of life--everything that draws man away from the worship of God--was em-braced in this great temptation of Christ. {SJ 47.7} Satan offered Christ the world and its riches if He would pay homage to the principles of evil. So Satan presents to us the advan-tages to be gained by wrongdoing. {SJ 47.8}

He whispers to us, “In order to succeed in this world, you must serve me. Do not be too particular about truth and honesty. Obey my counsel, and I will give you riches, honor, and happiness.” {SJ 47.9} In obeying this counsel we are worshiping Sa-tan instead of God. It will bring us only misery and ruin.” {SJ 47.10}Then there are half-way Christians who are half the worlds and half-God’s. They do not really make good Christians and they do not make good world-lings, but God must reject such a ones, for He can only accept all or none. Therefore Satan can most effectively use these for they can deceive many unto perditionBut God does not regard success as the world may regard success. In many cases success may look like apparent defeat. When Christ hung on the cross it looked like his enemies had won and got the best of Him. “Jesus did not yield up His life till He had ac-complished the work which He came to do, and ex-claimed with His departing breath: “It is finished.” Satan was then defeated. He knew that his kingdom was lost. Angels rejoiced as the words were

uttered: “It is finished.” The great plan of redemp-tion, which was dependent on the death of Christ, had been thus far carried out. And there was joy in heaven that the sons of Adam could, through a life of obedience, be finally exalted to the throne of God. Oh, what love! What amazing love! that brought the Son of God to earth to be made sin for us, that we might be reconciled to God, and el-evated to a life with Him in His mansions in glory” (Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 210-212).

So as we look to the cross of Calvary, and we are met with difficulties, and struggles and a cross is given us to bear, with apparent worldly defeat as our lot. In God’s strength we can endure the cross as Christ did to the end. We shall be triumphant as Christ was triumphant, the angels will rejoice as we resist the government of Satan and his host. Now God is seeking to work with us opening our eyes so that we can see and understand the character of Satan and sin and decide that we would rather die than sin. “Faith is the victory that overcomes the world.”

The #1 -Way Side of Success would you say that Je-sus was successful, even though He was homeless, no money, no changes of clothing, and so on. Oh yes! He is our example. Not to say God requires pov-erty but Jesus rebuked the pride and greed by choos-ing His way of life. Jesus had a trade as a Carpenter and worked in it for many years from childhood un-til He was 30 years of age. He was able to take care of business. So He had 20 plus years experience as a highly skilled Carpenter. Only when He entered upon His Ministry did He want to keep a focus on the ministry and put all His energies into His Min-istry. Paul the Apostle at times resorted to his tent trade to support himself and to help others. But all of Christ 12 disciples that followed Him were asked if they lacked anything since following Him, they had not lacked nothing when they chose to follow Him full-time. We are told that many of the disciples had loved ones that depended on them for support. And there are others who were not poverty stricken as Abraham and Job who God allowed to have financial success as well. But we should beware and not make the mistake that

when we come to God that everything is going to go well and you will have prosperity as the world sees it. There is prosperity with God, rarely as the world sees success .For those who have not experienced success. We will encourage you to go back to the basics and be-gin in the household. Prayerfully proceed asking God to help you to learn order and systematic and harmonious action, then as this is achieved habitu-ally you are ready to be successful at your job or careers and most of all, in your spiritual life. I my-self have had to start from ground zero and now learning order, the basics, that complete training in order and systematic and harmonious action. It is humbling, but I am grateful to even be at this point of awareness and am seeking the Lord so that changes are not only made in my own life for now, but they can become permanent changes that will spill over into every other area in my life, mentally, physically and spiritually as well as financially. Everything in this life is under law,

gravity, H2O, and so on. When we learn to work with these laws and not violate them then we are safe. We must reject the notion of anything goes. You must have goals and time restraints, and order and systematic and harmonious action which will help us to reach our goals. Else there will always be disappointment, frus-tration and failure we are faced with on a continual ba-sis. As God as our helper we can conquer.With prophetic eye Christ traced the scenes to take place in His last great conflict. He knew that when He should exclaim, “It is finished,” all heaven would tri-umph. His ear caught the distant music and the shouts of victory in the heavenly courts. He knew that the knell of Satan’s empire would then be sounded, and the name of Christ would be heralded from world to world throughout the universe. {DA 679.1}.

The Ministry of The Home

Society is composed of families, and what the heads of fami-lies make it. Out of the heart are “the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23); and the heart of the community, of the church, and of the nation is the household. The well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity of the nation, depend upon home influences. The importance and the opportunities of the home life are illustrated in the life of Jesus. He who came from heav-en to be our example and teacher spent thirty years as a member of the household at Nazareth. Concerning these years the Bible record is very brief. No mighty miracles attracted the attention of the multitude. No eager throngs followed His steps or lis-tened to His words. Yet during all these years He was fulfilling His divine mission. He lived as one of us, sharing the home life, submitting to its discipline, performing its duties, bearing its burdens. In the sheltering care of a humble home, partici-pating in the experiences of our common lot, He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52. 349 During all these secluded years His life flowed out in currents of sympathy and helpfulness. His unselfishness and patient endurance, His courage and faithfulness, His resistance of temptation, His unfailing peace and quiet joyfulness, were a constant inspiration. He brought a pure, sweet atmosphere into the home, and His life was as leaven working amidst the ele-ments of society. None said that He had wrought a miracle; yet virtue—the healing, life-giving power of love—went out from Him to the tempted, the sick, and the disheartened. In an unob-trusive way, from His very childhood, He ministered to others,

was as leaven working amidst the elements of society. None said that He had wrought a miracle; yet virtue—the healing, life-giving power of love—went out from Him to the tempted, the sick, and the disheartened. In an unobtrusive way, from His very childhood, He min-istered to others, and because of this, when He began His public ministry, many heard Him gladly. The Sav-iour’s early years are more than an example to theyouth. They are a lesson, and should be an encourage-ment, to every parent. The circle of family and neigh-borhood duties is the very first field of effort for those who would work for the uplifting of their fellow men. There is no more important field of effort than that committed to the founders and guardians of the home. No work entrusted to human beings involves greater or more far-reaching results than does the work of fathers and mothers. It is by the youth and children of today that the future of society is to be determined, and what these youth and and children shall be depends upon the home. To the lack of right home training may be traced the larger share of the disease and misery and crime that curse humanity. If the home life were pure and true, if the children who went forth from its care were pre-pared to meet life’s responsibilities and dangers, what a change would be seen in the world.

Great efforts are put forth, time and money and labor almost without limit are expended, in enterprises andinstitutions for reforming the victims of evil habits. And even these efforts are inadequate to meet the great ne-cessity. Yet how small is the result! How few are perma-nently reclaimed! Multitudes long for a better life, but they lack courage and resolution to break away from the power of habit. They shrink from the effort and struggle and sacrifice demanded, and their lives are wrecked and ruined. Thus even men of the brightest minds, men of high aspirations and noble powers, otherwise fitted by nature and education tofill positions of trust and responsibility, are degraded and lost for this life and for the life to come. For those who do reform, how bitter the struggle to regain their manhood! And all their life long, in a shatteredconstitution, a wavering will, impaired intellect, and weakened soul power, Many reap the harvest of their evil sowing. How much more might be accomplished if the evil were dealt with at the beginning! This work rests, in a great degree, with parents. In the efforts put forth to stay the progress of intemperance and of other evils that are eating like a cancer in the social body, if more attention were given to teaching parents how

to form the habits and character of their children, a hun-dredfold more good would result. Habit, which is so ter-rible a force for evil, it is in their power to make a force for good. They have to do with the stream at its source, and it rests with them to direct it rightly.Parents may lay for their children the foundation for a healthy, happy life. They may send them forth fromtheir homes with moral stamina to resist temptation, and courage and strength to wrestle successfully with life’s problems. They may inspire in them the purpose and de-velop the power to make their lives an honor to God and a blessing to the world. They may make straight paths for their feet, through sunshine and shadow, to the glo-rious heights above. The mission of the home extends beyond its own members. The Christian home is to be an object lesson, illustrating the excellence of the true principles of life. Such an illustration will be a power for good in the world.Far more powerful than any sermon that can be preached is the influence of a true home upon human hearts and lives.As the youth go out from such a home, the lessons they have learned are imparted. Nobler principles of life are introduced into other households, and an uplifting influence works in the community. There

are many others to whom we might make our homes a blessing. Our social entertainments should not begoverned by the dictates of worldly custom, but by the Spirit of Christ and the teaching of His word. The Is-raelites, in all their festivities, included the poor, the stranger, and the Levite, who was both the assistant of the priest in the sanctuary, and a religious teacher and missionary. These were regarded as the guests of the people, to share their hospitality on all occasions of so-cial and religious rejoicing, and to be tenderly cared for in sickness or in need. It is such as these whom we should make welcome to our homes. How much such a welcome might do to cheer and encourage the mission-ary nurse or the teacher, the care-burdened, hard-work-ing mother, or the feeble and aged, so often without a home, and struggling with poverty and many discour-agements. “When thou makest a dinner or a supper,” Christ says, “call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, nei-ther thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they can-not recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:12-14.These are guests whom it will lay on you no great burden to re

ceive. You will not need to provide for them elaborate or expensive entertainment. You will need to make no effort at display. The warmth of a genial welcome,a place at your fireside, a seat at your home table, the privilege of sharing the blessing of the hour of prayer, would to many of these be like a glimpse of heaven.Our sympathies are to overflow the boundaries of self and the enclosure of family walls. There are preciousopportunities for those who will make their homes a blessing to others. Social influence is a wonderful pow-er. We can use it if we will as a means of helping those about us. Our homes should be a place of refuge for the tempted youth. Many there are who stand at the parting of the ways. Every influence, every impression, is de-termining the choice that shapes their destiny both here and hereafter. Evil invites them. Its resorts are made bright and attractive. They have a welcome for every comer. All about us are youth who have no home, and many whose homes have no helpful, uplifting power, and the youth drift into evil. They are going down to ruin within the very shadow of our own doors.These youth need a hand stretched out to them in sym-pathy. Kind words simply spoken, little attentions sim-plybestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptation which gather over the soul. The true expression of

heaven-born sympathy has power to open the door of hearts that need the fragrance of Christlike words, and the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christ’s love. If we would show an interest in the youth, invite them to our homes, and surround them with cheering, helpful influences, there are many who would gladly turn their steps into the upward path. Life’s OpportunitiesOur time here is short. We can pass through this world but once; as we pass along, let us make the most of life.The work to which we are called does not require wealth or social position or great ability. It requires a kindly, self-sacrificing spirit and a steadfast purpose. A lamp, however small, if kept steadily burning, may be the means of lighting many other lamps. Our sphere of influence may seem narrow, our ability small, our op-portunities few, our acquirements limited; yet wonder-ful possibilities are ours through a faithful use of the opportunities of our own homes. If we will open our hearts and homes to the divine principles of life we shall become channels for currents of life-giving power. From our homes will flow streams of healing, bringing life and beauty and fruitfulness where now are barren-ness and dearth. From Ministry Of HealingDownload more, The Builders of the Home, The Moth-er, The Child, all in the Ministry Of healing plus more.

Household Duties God’s appointed way to learn His way of success.Household duties just does not require a round of mechanical chores. It is filled with duties of the parents in the training of their children to form right characters which will result in instructing their children to love the Lord, to do His will, and to glorify Him forming right characters for Him .

Below are a few quotes, there were so many more, please go deeper to get more insight. Giving to parents and children a fuller view of the duties within the household that are required to have real success. But remember, “without God’s help, we can do nothing, but we can do all things through Him.”

Preparation for Marriage Is an Essential Part of Education.--Upon no account should the marriage relation be entered upon until the parties have a knowl-edge of the duties of a practical domestic life. The wife should have culture of mind and manners that she may be qualified to rightly train the children that may be given her. {AH 87.1} Many ladies, accounted well-educated, having graduated with honors at some institution of learning, are shamefully ignorant of the practical duties of life. They are destitute of the qualifications necessary for the proper regulation of family, and hence essential to its happiness. They may talk of woman’s elevat-ed sphere and of her rights, yet they themselves fall far below the true sphere of woman. {AH 87.2} It is the right of every daughter of Eve to have a thorough knowledge of household duties, to receive training in every department of domestic labor. Every young lady should be so educated that if called to fill the position of wife and mother, she may preside as a queen in her own domain. She should be fully competent to guide and instruct her children and to direct her servants, or, if need be, to minister with her own hands to the wants of her household. It is her right to understand the mechanism of the human body and the principles of hygiene, the matters of diet and dress, labor and recreation, and countless others that intimately concern the well being of her household. It is her right to obtain such a knowledge of the best methods of treating disease

that she can care for her children in sickness, instead of leaving her precious treasures in the hands of stranger nurses and physicians. {AH 87.3} The idea that ignorance of useful employment is an essential characteristic of the true gentleman or lady is contrary to the design of God in the creation of man. Idleness is a sin, and ignorance of common duties is the result of folly, which afterlife will give ample occasion to bitterly regret. {AH 88.1} Young women think that it is menial to cook and do other kinds of house-work; and, for this reason, many girls who marry and have the care of families have little idea of the duties devolving upon a wife and mother. {AH 88.2} It should be a law that young people should not get married unless they know how to care for the children that are brought into their family. They must know how to take care of this house that God has given them. Unless they un-derstand in regard to the laws which God has established in their system, they cannot understand their duty to their God or themselves. {AH 88.3}. Do-mestic Training Should Be in the College Curriculum.--The education which the young men and women who attend our colleges should receive in the home life is deserving of special attention. It is of great importance in the work of character building that students who attend our colleges be taught to take up the work that is appointed them, throwing off all inclination to sloth. They need to become familiar with the duties of daily life. They should be taught to do their domestic duties thoroughly and well, with as little noise and confusion as possible. Everything should be done decently and in order. The kitchen and all other parts of the building should be kept sweet and clean. Books should be laid aside till their proper season, and no more study should be taken than can be attended to without neglecting the household duties. The study of books is not to engross the mind to the neglect of home duties upon which the comfort of the family depends. {AH 88.4} In the performance of these duties careless, neglectful, disorderly habits should be overcome; for unless corrected, these habits will be carried into every phase of life, and the life will be spoiled for usefulness. {AH 89.1} A Knowledge of Homemaking Is Indispensable.-- Many of the branches of study that consume the student’s time are not essential to usefulness or happiness, but it is essential for every youth to have a thorough acquaintance with ev-eryday duties. If need be, a young woman can dispense with a knowledge of French and algebra, or even of the piano; but it is indispensable that she learn

to make good bread, to fashion neatly fitting garments, and to perform effi-ciently the many duties that pertain to homemaking. {AH 89.2} To the health and happiness of the whole family nothing is more vital than skill and intel-ligence on the part of the cook. By ill-prepared, unwholesome food she may hinder and even ruin both the adult’s usefulness and the child’s development. Or by providing food adapted to the needs of the body, and at the same time inviting and palatable, she can accomplish as much in the right as otherwise she accomplishes in the wrong direction. So, in many ways, life’s happiness is bound up with faithfulness in common duties. {AH 89.3} Give Attention to the Principles of Hygiene.--The principles of hygiene as applied to diet, exercise, the care of children, the treatment of the sick, and many like matters should be given much more attention than they ordinarily receive {AH 89.4} In the study of hygiene the earnest teacher will improve every opportunity to show the necessity of perfect cleanliness both in personal habits and in all one’s sur-roundings.....read more , download Adventist Home amd other recommended books.

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SuccessA man can have no greater honor than to be accepted by God as an able minister of the gospel. But those whom the Lord blesses with power and success in His work do not boast. They acknowledge their entire dependence on Him, realizing that of themselves they have no power. With Paul they say, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament.” {AA 328.3} Jesus is the only sure guarantee for intellectual success and advancement. {CTr 124.5} The reason that we do not have greater success in the work is that we depend on our own efforts rather than upon the help God will give us. Human weakness shall find supernatural strength and help in every stern conflict to do the deeds of Omnipotence, and perseverance in faith and perfect trust in God will en-sure success We are not to consider that the smartness of men and women will bring success. People may have all the learning possible for a human being to comprehend, and yet they may be alone; without Christ they can do nothing. Do you walk humbly before Him? Have you a cherishing of in-ward sins, heartburnings against anyone? Are you seeking God with all your heart? We can bear to be separated from everything else but the Spirit of God. We want the inspira-tion of the cross, making us to fall helpless, and the Lord will lift us up.—Manuscript 27, 1891. {CTr 300.6}

In this formative period of their children’s life, the responsibility of parents is very great. It should be their study to surround the youth with right influences, influences that will give them correct views of life and its true success. Instead of this, how many parents make it their first object to secure for their children worldly pros-perity. All their associations are chosen with reference to this ob-ject. Many parents make their home in some large city, and intro-duce their children into fashionable society. They surround them with influences that encourage worldliness and pride. In this at-mosphere the mind and soul are dwarfed. The high and noble aims of life are lost sight of. The privilege of being sons of God, heirs of eternity, is bartered for worldly gain.

. If men attain success in business, they must have a will to do and a faith to look for results. And we cannot expect to gain spiritual knowl-edge without earnest toil. Those who desire to find the treasures of truth must dig for them as the miner digs for the treasure hidden in the earth. No halfhearted, indifferent work will avail. It is essential for old and young, not only to read God’s word, but to study it with whole-hearted earnestness, praying and searching for truth as for hidden trea-sure. Those who do this will be rewarded, for Christ will quicken the understanding. {COL 111.2} You need not go to the ends of the earth for wisdom, for God is near. It is not the capabilities you now possess or ever will have that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more con-fidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you. {COL 146.4}

Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and mental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars, or waiting at the 344station; the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment--if a book were kept at hand, and these frag-ments of time were improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time, will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness. {COL 343.4} Talents Multiplied by Use

Talents used are talents multiplied. Success is not the result of chance or of destiny; it is the outworking of God’s own providence, the reward of faith and discretion, of virtue and persevering effort. The Lord desires us to use every gift we have; and if we do this, we shall have greater gifts to use. He does not supernaturally endow us with the qualifications we lack; but while we use that which we have, He will work with us to increase and strengthen 354every faculty. By every wholehearted, earnest sacrifice for the Master’s service our powers will increase. While we yield ourselves as instruments for the Holy Spirit’s working, the grace of God works in us to deny old in-clinations, to overcome powerful propensities, and to form new habits. As we cherish and obey the promptings of the Spirit, our hearts are enlarged to receive more and more of His power, and to do more and better work. Dor-mant energies are aroused, and palsied faculties receive new life. {COL 353.1}

It is not that brilliant young men always make the greatest success. How often men of talent and education have been placed in positions of trust, and have proved failures. Their glitter had the appearance of gold, but when it was tried, it proved to be but tinsel and dross. They made a failure of their work through unfaithfulness. They were not industrious and per-severing, and did not go to the bottom of things. They were not willing to begin at the bottom of the ladder, and with patient toil, ascend round af-ter round till they reached the top. They walked in the sparks (their bright flashes of thought) of their own kindling. They did not depend on the wis-dom which God alone can give. Their failure was not because they did not have a chance, but because they were not sober-minded. They did not feel that their educational advantages were of value to them, and so did not advance as they might have advanced in the knowledge of religion and science. Their mind and character were not balanced by high principles of right. {CE 91.1}

It is a most difficult matter to unlearn the habits which have been indulged through life. The demon of intemperance is of giant strength, and is not easily conquered. But if parents begin the crusade against it at their own firesides, in their own families, in the principles they teach their children from very infancy, then they may hope for success. It will pay you, moth-ers, to use the precious hours which are given you by God in forming the characters of your children, and in teaching them to adhere strictly to the principles of temperance in eating and drinking. {CE 180.1}

Success in this life, success in gaining the future life, depends upon a faithful, conscientious attention to the little things. Perfection is seen in the least, no less than in the greatest, of the works of God. The hand that hung the worlds in space is the hand that wrought with delicate skill the lilies of the field. And as God is perfect in his sphere, so we are to be perfect in ours.

The symmetrical structure of a strong, beautiful character is built up by individual acts of duty. And faithfulness should characterize our life in the least as well as in the greatest of its details. Integrity in lit-tle things, the performance of little acts of fidelity and little deeds of kindness, will gladden the path of life; and when our work on earth is ended, it will be found that every one of the little duties faithfully per-formed, has exerted an influence for good,--an influence that can never perish. 218 {CE 217.2} Let every mother feel that her moments are priceless; her work will be tested in the solemn day of accounts. Then it will be found that many of the failures and crimes of men and women have resulted from the ignorance and neglect of those whose duty it was to guide their childish feet in the right way. Then it will be found that many who have blessed the world with the light of genius and truth and holiness, owe the principles that were the mainspring of their influence and success to a praying, Christian mother.--”Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 244.

An upright character is of greater worth than the gold of Ophir. Without it none can rise to an honorable eminence. But character is not inherit-ed. It cannot be bought. Moral excellence and fine mental qualities are not the result of accident. The most precious gifts are of no value un-less they are improved. The formation of a noble character is the work of a lifetime, and must be the result of diligent and persevering effort. God gives opportunities; success depends upon the use made of them. --”Patriarchs and Prophets,” pp. 222, 223. -

{CE 226.2} This practical instruction in religious experience is what Christian par-ents should be prepared to give their children. God requires this of you, and you neglect your duty if you fail to perform this work. Instruct your children in regard to God’s chosen methods of discipline and the condi-tions of success in the Christian life. Teach them that they cannot serve God and have their minds absorbed in over-careful provision for this life; but do not let them cherish the thought that they have no need to toil and may spend their leisure moments in idleness.God’s word is plain on this point. Jesus, the Majesty of Heaven, has left an example for the youth. He toiled in the workshop at Nazareth for his daily bread. He was subject to his parents, and sought not to control his own time or to follow his own will. By a life of easy indulgence a youth can never attain to real excellence as a man or as a Christian. God does not promise us ease, honor, or wealth in his service, but he assures us that all needed blessings will be ours, “with persecutions,” and in the world to come “life everlasting.” Nothing less than entire consecration to his ser-vice will Christ accept. This is the lesson which every one of us must learn. {CE 240.1}

Warning to Sabbath KeepersI saw that Satan bade his angels lay their snares especially for those who were looking for Christ’s second appearing, and keeping all the com-mandments of God. Satan told his angels that the churches were asleep. He would increase his power and lying wonders, and he could hold them. “But,” he said, “the sect of Sabbathkeepers we hate; they are continually working against us, and taking from us our subjects, to keep the hated law of God. Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If you can make them place their affections upon these things, we shall have them yet. They may profess what they please, only make them care more for money than for the success of Christ’s kingdom or the spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may love and idolize it. {CET 171.1}

Satan well knows that success can only attend order and harmonious ac-tion. He well knows that everything connected with Heaven is in perfect order, that subjection and perfect discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. It is his studied effort to lead professed Christians just as far from Heaven’s arrangement as he can; therefore he deceives even the pro-fessed people of God, and makes them believe that order and discipline are enemies to spirituality; that the only safety for them is to let each pur-sue his own course, and to remain especially distinct from bodies of Chris-tians who are united, and are laboring to establish discipline and harmony of action. All the efforts made to establish order are considered dangerous, a restriction of rightful liberty, and hence are feared as popery. These de-voted souls consider it a virtue to boast of their freedom to think and act independently. They will not take any man’s say-so. They are amenable to no man. I was shown that it is Satan’s special work to lead men to feel that it is God’s order for them to strike out for themselves, and choose their own course, independent of their brethren. {CET 201.1}

Success depends not so much on talent as on energy and willingness. It is not the possession of splendid talents that enables us to render ac-ceptable service; but the conscientious performance of daily duties, the contented spirit, the unaffected, sincere interest in the welfare of oth-ers. In the humblest lot true excellence may be found. The commonest tasks, wrought with loving faithfulness, are beautiful in God’s sight.--Prophets and Kings, p. 219. {ChS 264.1} Their success in advancement in the divine life depends upon the improvement of the talents lent them. Their future reward will be pro-portioned to the integrity and earnestness with which they serve the Master.--Review and Herald, March 1, 1887. {ChS 266.5}

May the Lord help everyone to improve to the utmost the talents commit-ted to his trust. Those who work in this cause do not study their Bibles as they should. If they did, its practical teachings would have a positive bearing upon their lives. Whatever your work may be, dear brethren and sisters, do it as for the Master, and do your best. Do not overlook pres-ent golden opportunities and let your life prove a failure while you sit idly dreaming of ease and success in a work for which God has never fitted you. Do the work that is nearest you. Do it, even though it may be amid perils and hardships in the missionary field; but do not, I beg of you, com-plain of hardships and self-sacrifices. Look at the Waldenses. See what plans they devised that the light of the gospel might shine into benighted minds. We should not labor with the expectation of receiving our reward in this life, but with our eyes fixed steadfastly upon the prize at the end of the race. Men and58women are wanted now who are as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men and women who will work without having their way smoothed and every obstacle removed. {CEv 57.1}

Physical habits have a great deal to do with the success of every individ-ual. The more careful you are in your diet, the more simple and unstimu-lating the food that sustains the body in its harmonious action, the more clear will be your conception of duty. There needs to be a careful review of every habit, every practice, lest a morbid condition of the body shall cast a cloud upon everything. {CD 52.1} The body is the only medium through which the mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of character. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his temptations to the enfeebling and degrading of the physi-cal powers. His success here means the surrender to evil of the whole be-ing. The tendencies of our physical nature, unless under the dominion of a higher power, will surely work ruin and death. {CD 73.5}

t age 3 years the child’s character is formed for life. The ear-ly years are important, results can be seen with the Hanna;s Child, Samuel.

Please take an organized systematic approach to becoming fa-miliar with each book, it will prove a blessing to you all, as the Lord will bless such an approach.and to in the future as you are able to keep this ministry alive.