A California stagecoach driver had held the leather reins for so many years, that
when he began to grow old, his hands were crooked into hooks, and his fingers
were so stiffened into that shape that they could not be straightened out.
There is a similar process that goes on in men's minds and souls, when they continue to do the same things over and over. If you are trained, and train yourself, from childhood to be gentle and patient, to control your temper, to resist all wrong, your life will grow into moral beauty, and the peacefulness of your heart will at length shine upon your very face.
If, on the other hand, you give way from childhood to all ugly tempers, to resentful feelings, to all bitterness and anger, your life will grow into permanent moral disfigurement.
One who accustoms himself to think of pure and holy things, who sets his affections on things above, and strives to reach for things which are true, things which are honorable, things which are lovely will grow heavenward toward the things which he loves and thinks upon.
But one who lets his mind turn habitually to debasing things, to unholy things, to impure things, to earthly things. will find his whole soul bending downward, and growing sinful, corrupt, and evil.
There is a similar process that goes on in men's minds and souls, when they continue to do the same things over and over. If you are trained, and train yourself, from childhood to be gentle and patient, to control your temper, to resist all wrong, your life will grow into moral beauty, and the peacefulness of your heart will at length shine upon your very face.
If, on the other hand, you give way from childhood to all ugly tempers, to resentful feelings, to all bitterness and anger, your life will grow into permanent moral disfigurement.
One who accustoms himself to think of pure and holy things, who sets his affections on things above, and strives to reach for things which are true, things which are honorable, things which are lovely will grow heavenward toward the things which he loves and thinks upon.
But one who lets his mind turn habitually to debasing things, to unholy things, to impure things, to earthly things. will find his whole soul bending downward, and growing sinful, corrupt, and evil.
[J. R. Miller]
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Philippians 4:8 ... Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Romans 12:2 ... And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Proverbs 4:20-23 ... My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. ❤
Romans 12:2 ... And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Proverbs 4:20-23 ... My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. ❤
