Ellen White saw Christianity as affecting every part of a person's daily
life. The core of practical Christianity is exhibiting Jesus' character
(self-sacrificing love) rather than living by the principles of Satan's kingdom
(self-seeking). It means not only the dropping of harmful habits and destructive
ways of living, but incorporating the positive characteristics of Christ's
character in service to God and to one another. "No one can love God and
not love His children," she wrote. "Christ abiding in the soul exerts
a transforming power, and the outward aspect bears witness to the peace and joy
that reign within" (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 337).
Thought for the Day
Heaven's work never ceases, and men should never rest from doing good. The Sabbath is not intended to be a period of useless inactivity. The law forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord; the toil that gains a livelihood must cease; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawful upon that day; but as God ceased His labor of creating, and rested upon the Sabbath and blessed it, so man is to leave the occupations of his daily life, and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest, to worship, and to holy deeds. Desire of Ages, p. 207