Many who have never been placed in positions of trial appear to be excellent Christians, their lives seem faultless; but God sees that they have traits of character that must be revealed to them before they can perceive and correct them. Simeon prophesied under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and said unto Mary in reference to Jesus: “Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” In the providence of God we are placed in different positions to call into exercise qualities of mind calculated to develop character under a variety of circumstances. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Professed Christians may live unexceptionable lives so far as outward appearance is concerned; but when a change of circumstances throws them into entirely different positions, strong traits of character are discovered, which would have remained hidden had their surroundings continued the same. {4T 55.2}

Mange, som aldrig er blevet sat i prøvelser viser sig at være udmærkede kristne, deres liv synes fejlfrie; men Gud ser at de har karaktertræk der må afsløres for dem før de kan erkendes og rettes. Simon profeterede under Helligåndens inspiration og sagde til Maria om Jesus: »Se, det barn er sat til fald og oprejsning for mange i Israel og til et tegn, som skal modsiges ja også din egen sjæl skal et sværd gennemtrænge så at mange hjerters tanker skal blive åbenbaret.« Efter Guds forudseenhed er vi sat i forskellige stillinger til at bruge sindets evner, beregnet på at udvikle karakteren under forskellige omstændigheder. »Thi den, der holder hele loven, men blot på et punkt snubler, er blevet skyldig i alle.« Bekendende kristne kan leve et udadleligt liv, så vidt det angår ydre udseende; men når en ændring af forholdene kaster dem ud i en helt anden situation, opdages (56) stærke karaktertræk, som ville forblive skjult, hvis omgivelserne var forblevet de samme.