All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matt. 7:12 The Saviour taught this principle {the golden rule} to make mankind happy, not unhappy; for in no other way can happiness come. God desires men and women to live the higher life. He gives them the boon of life, not to enable them merely to gain wealth, but to improve their higher powers by doing the work He has entrusted to mankind–the work of searching out and relieving the necessities of their fellow men. Man should not work for his own selfish interest, but for the interest of every one about him, blessing others by his influence and kindly deeds. This purpose of God is exemplified in Christ’s life. Seize every opportunity to contribute to the happiness of those around you, sharing with them your affection. Words of kindness, looks of sympathy, expression of appreciation, would to many a struggling, lonely one be as a cup of cold water to a thirsty soul. A word of cheer, an act of kindness, would go far to lighten the burdens that are resting heavily upon weary shoulders. It is in unselfish ministry that true happiness is found. And every word and deed of such service is recorded in the books of heaven as done to Christ. . . . Live in the sunshine of Christ’s love. Then your influence will bless the world. The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character and brings peace and happiness to its possessor. Every duty performed, every sacrifice made in the name of Jesus brings an exceeding great reward. In the very act of duty, God speaks and gives His blessing. From My Life Today – Page 170 ~Ellen G....
Living Notes
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (Isaiah 40:28-29 KJV)
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Eccl. 12:13 He gives us the history of his search for happiness. He engaged in intellectual pursuits; he gratified his love for pleasure; he carried out his schemes of commercial enterprise. He was surrounded by the fascinating splendor of court life. . . . Solomon sat upon a throne of ivory, the steps of which were of solid gold, flanked by six golden lions. His eyes rested upon highly cultivated and beautiful gardens just before him. These grounds were visions of loveliness, arranged to resemble, as far as possible, the Garden of Eden. Choice trees and shrubs and flowers of every variety had been brought from foreign lands to beautify them. Birds of every variety of brilliant plumage flitted from tree to tree, making the air vocal with sweet songs. Youthful attendants, gorgeously dressed and decorated, waited to obey his slightest wish. Scenes of revelry, music, sports, and games were arranged for his diversion at an extravagant expenditure of money. But all this did not bring happiness to the king. . . . Dissipation had left its impress upon his once fair and intellectual face. He was sadly changed from the youthful Solomon. His brow was furrowed with care and unhappiness. . . . His lips were prepared to break forth into reproaches at the slightest deviation from his wishes. His shattered nerves and wasted frame showed the result of violating Nature’s laws. He confessed to a wasted life, an unsuccessful chase after happiness. The way to true happiness remains the same in all ages. Patient continuance in well-doing will lead to honor, happiness, and eternal life. From My Life Today – Page 172 ~ Ellen G....
I know that there is no good … but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. Eccl. 3:12 The youth may think to find happiness by seeking their own pleasure, but true happiness will never be theirs while they pursue this course. The Saviour lived not to please Himself. We read of Him that He went about “doing good.” He spent His life in loving service, comforting the sorrowing, ministering to the needy, lifting up the bowed down, He had no home in this world, only as the kindness of His friends provided one for Him as a wayfarer. Yet it was heaven to be in His presence. Day by day He met trials and temptations, yet He did not fail or become discouraged. . . . He was always patient and cheerful, and the afflicted hailed Him as a messenger of life and peace and health. . . . What a wonderful example Christ has left for us in His lifework. Who of His children are living, as He did, for the glory of God? He is the Light of the world, and the one who works successfully for the Master must kindle his taper from that divine life. To His disciples Christ said, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” How careful, then, we should be to follow the example of Christ. Unless we do this we are worthless–salt which has lost its savor. Only by following Christ’s example can we find true happiness. When He is accepted the heart is subdued and its purposes are changed. His service will place upon you no restriction that will not increase your happiness. In complying with His requirements, you will find a peace, contentment, and enjoyment that you can never have in the path of . . . sin. From My Life Today – Page 171-by Ellen G....
“If in our ignorance we make missteps, the Saviour does not forsake us. We need never feel that we are alone. Angels are our companions. The Comforter that Christ promised to send in His name abides with us. In the way that leads to the City of God there are no difficulties which those who trust in Him may not overcome. There are no dangers which they may not escape. There is not a sorrow, not a grievance, not a human weakness, for which He has not provided a remedy. – {Ministry of Healing p. 249.1}by Ellen G....
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (KJV) “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 8:12 King “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” Isaiah-43-25 KJV “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17 KJV “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:34 KJV KJV King James...