Knowing Self
by Ellen White
We should ever bear in mind that we are all erring mortals, and that Christ exercises
much pity for our weakness, and loves us although we err. 1T 383
Dear Brother Y: In the last view given I was shown that you do not understand yourself.
You have a work to do for yourself which no one can do for you. Your experience in the
truth is short, and you have not been thoroughly converted. You place a higher estimate
upon yourself than you will bear. I was pointed back to your past life. Your mind has not
been elevated, but has dwelt upon subjects not calculated to lead to purity of action. You
have had habits which were corrupt, and which have tainted your morals. You have been too
familiar with the other sex, and have not possessed modesty of deportment. You would be
well suited were there greater familiarity encouraged between men and women, much after
Dr. A's theory. Your influence at ----- was not good. You were not a proper person for
that place; your light and trifling conversation disqualified you to exert a good
influence. The character of your music was not such as to encourage elevated thoughts or
feelings, but rather to degenerate. 2T 321
Ancient Israel were especially directed by God to be and remain a people separate from
all nations. They were not to be subjected to witnessing the idolatry of those about them,
lest their own hearts should be corrupted, lest familiarity with ungodly practices should
make them appear less wicked in their eyes. Few realise their own weakness and that the
natural sinfulness of the human heart too often paralyses their noblest endeavours. 4T 109
Watch against the stealthy approach of the enemy, watch against old habits and natural
inclinations, lest they assert themselves; force them back and watch. Watch the thoughts,
watch the plans lest they become self-centred. Watch over the souls whom Christ has
purchased with His own blood. Watch for opportunities to do them good. 6T 410
Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that
feels its nothingness and relies wholly on the merits of the Saviour. God would send every
angel in heaven to the aid of such a one, rather than allow him to be overcome. 7T 17
Those who fail to realise their constant dependence upon God will be overcome by
temptation. We many now suppose that our feet stand secure, and that we shall never be
moved. We may say with confidence, I know in whom I have believed. . . But Satan is
planning to take advantage of our hereditary and cultivated traits of character, and to
blind our eyes to our own necessities and defects. Only through realising our own weakness
and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely. DA 382
In ourselves we are incapable of doing any good thing; but that which we cannot do will
be wrought by the power of God in every submissive and believing soul. It was through
faith that the child of promise was given. It is through faith that spiritual life is
begotten, and we are enabled to do the works of righteousness. DA 98
While Christ is cleansing the sanctuary, the worshipers on earth should carefully
review their life, and compare their character with the standard of righteousness. Review
and Herald, April 8, 1890. EV 224
There can be no self-exaltation, no boastful claim to freedom from sin, on the part of
those who walk in the shadow of Calvary's cross. They feel that it was their sin which
caused the agony that broke the heart of the Son of God, and this thought will lead them
to self-abasement. Those who live nearest to Jesus discern most clearly the frailty and
sinfulness of humanity, and their only hope is in the merit of a crucified and risen
Saviour. GC 471
Thus it is with the truly righteous man. He is unconscious of his goodness and piety.
Religious principle has become the spring of his life and conduct, and it is just as
natural for him to bear the fruits of the Spirit as for the fig-tree to bear figs, or for
the rose-bush to yield roses. His nature is so thoroughly imbued with love for God and his
fellow men that he works the works of Christ with a willing heart. PH048 12
It is essential that all shall know what atmosphere surrounds their own souls, whether
they are in co-partnership with the enemy of righteousness, and unconsciously doing his
work, or whether they are yoked up with Christ, doing his work, and seeking to establish
souls more firmly in the truth. RH NOV.27,1900
Jesus says, "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth
his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Here is the great burden
to be carried by each one. Are my sins forgiven? Has Christ, the burden-bearer, taken away
my guilt? Have I a clean heart, purified by the righteousness of Jesus Christ? Woe be to
any soul who is not seeking a refuge in Christ. Woe be to all who shall in any way divert
the mind from the work, and cause any soul to be less vigilant now. RH NOV.27,1900
In his distress, Jacob laid hold of the angel, and held him and wrestled with him all
night. So also will the righteous, in the time of their trouble wrestle with God in
prayer. Jacob prayed all night for deliverance from the hand of Esau. The righteous in
their mental anguish will cry to God day and night for deliverance from the hands of the
wicked who surround them. Jacob confessed his unworthiness: "I am not worthy of the
least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast showed unto thy
servant." The righteous will have a deep sense of their shortcomings, and with many
tears will acknowledge their utter unworthiness, and, like Jacob, will plead the promises
of God through Christ, made to just such dependent, helpless, repenting sinners. ST
NOV.27,1879