Download in Word format: SSL 2016 First Half – Character Building

Character Building

TO ALL SABBATH SCHOOL STUDENTS ASSOCIATED WITH ADVENT PILGRIMS FELLOWSHIP, GREETINGS.

As we head more decidedly into the concluding events of human probation, it behoves us to apply ourselves more decidedly to the completion of our character development to be fitted for a place in the family of heaven. We are told that the only thing we take with us from this earth into the next world is our character, and if it is faulty it will not fit in with the characters of the angels and the heavenly trio.

For this reason it is well for us to study deeply into the truths which provide the information by which we may build a character that will live in harmony with all holy beings for eternity.

Note how the Spirit of Prophecy addresses the importance of what we are studying in this lesson:

“Character building is the most important work ever entrusted to human beings, and never before was its diligent study so important as now. Never was any previous generation called to meet issues so momentous; never before were young men and young women confronted by perils so great as confront them today” – Child Guidance p. 169.

“Every act of life, however unimportant, has its influence in forming the character. A good 36character is more precious than worldly possessions, and the work of forming it is the noblest in which men can engage.”- Child Guidance p. 165.

To appreciate the content of this lesson in its account of time required to build a character, we note the words of Counsels to Parents, Teaches, and Students::

“The great work of parents and teachers is character building–seeking to restore the image of Christ in those placed under their care. A knowledge of the sciences sinks into insignificance beside this great aim; but all true education may be made to help in the development of a righteous character. The formation of character is the work of a lifetime, and it is for eternity. If all could realize this, and would awake to the fact that we are individually deciding our own destiny and the destinies of our children for eternal life or eternal ruin, what a change would take place! How differently would our probationary time be occupied, and with what noble characters would our world be filled!” – Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students p. 61.

God bless our study of this lesson so when Jesus returns we will be ready for Him to take us with Him to the society of heaven.