Draw Me from the Path of Uprightness, August 19

To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked. Proverbs 2:12-14.RRe 233.1

Since the fall of Adam it has been the fashion of the world to sin.—Testimonies for the Church 6:129.RRe 233.2

In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin, and a disposition to cherish and excuse it.—The Great Controversy, 508.RRe 233.3

The prevalence of a sinful desire shows the delusion of the soul. Every indulgence of that desire strengthens the soul’s aversion to God. The pains of duty and the pleasures of sin are the cords with which Satan binds men in his snares.—Testimonies for the Church 5:53.RRe 233.4

By beholding, we become changed. Though formed in the image of his Maker, man can so educate his mind that sin which he once loathed will become pleasant to him. As he ceases to watch and pray, he ceases to guard the citadel, the heart, and engages in sin and crime. The mind is debased, and it is impossible to elevate it from corruption while it is being educated to enslave the moral and intellectual powers, and bring them in subjection to grosser passions. Constant war against the carnal mind must be maintained; and we must be aided by the refining influence of the grace of God, which will attract the mind upward, and habituate it to meditate upon pure and holy things.—Testimonies for the Church 2:479.RRe 233.5

The Spirit of God is continually impressing the minds of men to seek for those things which alone will give peace and rest—the higher, holier joy of Heaven. Christ, the Lord of life and glory, gave His life to redeem man from Satan’s power. Our Saviour is constantly at work, through influences seen and unseen, to attract the minds of men from the unsatisfying pleasures of this life to the priceless treasure which may be theirs in the immortal future.—Testimonies for the Church 4:580.RRe 233.6