Satan is continually
seeking to overcome the people of God by breaking down the barriers which
separate them from the world. Ancient Israel were enticed into sin when they
ventured into forbidden association with the heathen. In a similar manner are
modern Israel led astray. “The God of this world hath blinded the minds of them
which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the
image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:4. All who are not
decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan. In the unregenerate heart
there is love of sin and a disposition to cherish and excuse it. In the renewed
heart there is hatred of sin and determined resistance against it. When Christians
choose the society of the ungodly and unbelieving, they expose themselves to
temptation. Satan conceals himself from view and stealthily draws his deceptive
covering over their eyes. They cannot see that such company is calculated to do
them harm; and while all the time assimilating to the world in character,
words, and actions, they are becoming more and more blinded.
Conformity to worldly
customs converts the church to the world; it never converts the world to
Christ. Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause it to appear less repulsive.
He who chooses to associate with the servants of Satan will soon cease to fear their
master. When in the way of duty we are brought into trial, as was Daniel in the
king’s court, we may be sure that God will protect us; but if we place
ourselves under temptation we shall fall sooner or later.
The tempter often works most
successfully through those who are least suspected of being under his control.
The possessors of talent and education are admired and honored, as if these
qualities could atone for the absence of the fear of God or entitle men to His
favor. Talent and culture, considered in themselves, are gifts of God; but when
these are made to supply the place of piety, when, instead of bringing the soul
nearer to God, they lead away from Him, then they become a curse and a snare.
The opinion prevails with many that all which appears like courtesy or
refinement must, in some sense, pertain to Christ. Never was there a greater
mistake. These qualities should grace the character of every Christian, for
they would exert a powerful influence in favor of true religion; but they must
be consecrated to God, or they also are a power for evil.
The Great Controversy, pp. 508, 509
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