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
Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest sense, a believer in Jesus. When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain the new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith the character of Christ will be manifest. Desire of Ages, p. 280