This means those who have not received instruction, but have cherished their own wisdom, and have chosen to work themselves according to their own ideas. The Lord gives these the test, that they shall either take their position to follow His counsel, or refuse and do according to their own ideas, and then the Lord will leave them to the sure result. In all our ways, in all our service to God, He speaks to us, “Give Me thine heart.”Proverbs 23:26. It is the submissive, teachable spirit that God wants. That which gives to prayer its excellence is the fact that it is breathed from a loving, obedient heart.
(TM 419.1)
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God requires certain things of His people; “if they say, I will not give up my heart to do this thing,” the Lord lets them go on in their supposed wise judgment without heavenly wisdom, until this scripture [Isaiah 28:13] is fulfilled. You are not to say, “I will follow the Lord’s guidance up to a certain point that is in harmony with my judgment,” and then hold fast to your own ideas, refusing to be molded after the Lord’s similitude. Let the question be asked, “Is this the will of the Lord?” not, “Is this the opinion or judgment of ____?”
(TM 419.2)
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Everything must be viewed in the light of the example of Christ. He is the truth. He is the true Light that lighteth every man who cometh into the world. Listen to His words, copy His example in self-denial and self-sacrifice, and look to the merits of Christ for the glory in character which He possesses to be bestowed on you. Those who follow Christ live not to please themselves. Human standards are like feeble reeds. The Lord’s standard is perfection of character.
(TM 419.3)
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