Friday: Further Study: From Ears to Feet
Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, Moral Standards,
p. 326–339, in The Adventist Home;In Contact With Others,
p. 489–491, in The Ministry of Healing; Other Object Lessons,
p. 117–120, in Education.
The student of the Bible should be taught to approach it in the spirit of a learner. We are to search its pages, not for proof to sustain our opinions, but in order to know what God says. . . .
One of the chief causes of mental inefficiency and moral weakness is the lack of concentration. . . . With the immense tide of printed matter constantly pouring from the press, old and young form the habit of reading hastily and superficially, and the mind loses its power of connected and vigorous thought.
— Ellen G. White, Education, p. 189.
The habitations that the ants build for themselves show skill and perseverance. Only one little grain at a time can they handle, but by diligence and perseverance they accomplish wonders.
Solomon points to the industry of the ant as a reproach to those who waste their hours in idleness or in practices that corrupt soul and body. The ant prepares for future seasons; but many gifted with reasoning powers fail to prepare for the future immortal life.
— Ellen G. White,Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 190.
Discussion Questions:
- Dwell more on this idea of how we can help others, even at a personal cost to ourselves. How do we look at what this week’s lesson taught in contrast to this verse:
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends
(John 15:13, NKJV)? - What other lessons can we take from the natural world that we can apply to our own lives? Given, however, that the world is fallen, why must we be careful in the lessons we do draw?
- Read through the seven abominations in Proverbs 6:16–19. Why do you think that they are considered so bad in God’s eyes?
Ellen White’s Point on Friday is phenomenal. Because of its size, the ant is forced to master that which human beings fail to: the significance of “one little grain at a time can they handle.”
We tackle too much all at once and master very little in the process. We overtax ourselves and give up. Patient diligence with faith in God wins the day for the committed Christian. This applies to our work experience, personal life, and family life. We must keep trusting in Jesus as He helps us to tackle one skill at a time; over come one defect at a time; master one flaw at a time. Remain content that if we are wrapped up in the Savior, this is the life He has chosen for us and we must stick with it.
hi. thank You for that. this is me. It’s what i need to hear. This is just for me.
regarding the last question for today. they are the pillars of wickedness in society.
have a most blessed Sabbath.
The Bible calls us to be diligent—to be diligent in spiritual things; to be fervent in prayer; to be zealous in love; to be like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily; to realize that there is a battle and we have to be vigilant in this battle against the spiritual dangers. The Bible calls us not to put off these things. It has been said that the road to hell is paved with many good intentions—people who say, Yes, tomorrow, tomorrow I will be concerned about spiritual things. And then they wake up in hell. The road to hell is paved with many good intentions. We must move beyond the good intentions and the talk and the excuses. The Bible calls us not to wait. We should not put off repentance for a sin and hold on to that sin. If you have heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, you should not wait to believe. But you should believe the gospel today.
This spiritual work has to do with the well-being of your soul, should take priority. We must labor diligently in the work that God has given us to do. May God give us the grace to do that.