When a man is earnestly engaged day by day in overcoming the defects in his character, he is cherishing Christ in his soul-temple; the light of Christ is in him. Under the bright beams of the light of Christ’s countenance his entire being becomes elevated and ennobled. He has the peace of heaven in his soul. Many give loose rein to passion, avarice, selfishness, and deception, and all the time excuse themselves and lay the blame on the circumstances which brought around the trial to themselves. This has been your case. God permitted your surroundings to exist to develop character. But you could have made your surroundings; for by resisting or enduring temptation, circumstances are controlled by the might of the will in the name of Jesus. This is overcoming as Christ overcame. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” {4T 346.1}

Når et menneske hver dag alvorligt prøver på at overvinde manglerne i sin karakter, vil det værne om Kristus i sit sjælstempel; Kristi lys er i ham. Under de klare lysstråler fra Kristi ansigt bliver hele dette menneske opløftet og forædlet. Han har himmelens fred i sin sjæl. Mange giver lidenskaberne, havesygen, selviskheden og bedraget frie tøjler og undskylder sig hele tiden og lægger skam på de omstændigheder, som bragte dem selv prøvelser. Dette har været tilfældet for dig. Gud lod dine omgivelser udvikle din karakter. Men du kunne have dannet dine omgivelser; for ved at modstå eller udholde fristelser, styres omgivelserne af viljens magt i Jesu navn. Den overvindes som Kristus overvandt den. »Dette er den sejr, som har sejret over verden: vor tro."