Out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. Jeremiah 30:19.
Many professed Christians do not correctly represent the Christian religion. They appear gloomy, as if under a cloud. They often speak of the great sacrifices they have made to become Christians. They appeal to those who have not accepted Christ, representing by their own example and conversation that they must give up everything which would make life pleasant and joyful. They throw a pall of darkness over the blessed Christian hope.
The impression is given that God’s requirements are a burden even to the willing soul, and that everything that would give pleasure, or that would delight the taste, must be sacrificed.... This class of professed Christians have not the genuine article.—Messages to Young People, 363.
Obedience to our Saviour does not detract from our happiness and true pleasure in this life.—Testimonies for the Church 3:374.
Whatever Christ asks us to renounce, He offers in its stead something better.... When once the gaze is fixed upon Him, the life finds its center.... Duty becomes a delight, and sacrifice a pleasure. To honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, is the life’s highest ambition and its greatest joy.—Education, 296.
From Radiant Religion - Page 143
Radiant Religion
Thought for the Day
In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes greatness? Not that which the world accounts greatness; not wealth, or rank, or noble descent, or intellectual gifts, in themselves considered. If intellectual greatness, apart from any higher consideration, is worthy of honor, then our homage is due to Satan, whose intellectual power no man has ever equaled. But when perverted to self-serving, the greater the gift, the greater curse it becomes. It is moral worth that God values. Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most.... Unselfish joy in the ministry of Christ presents the highest type of nobility ever revealed in man. Desire of Ages, p. 219