Chapter 13: Standard of Christian Living (pages 171 - 184) in 17th Edition
The 59th GC Session changed the number of this Chapter to Chapter 12:
The following text will appear in the section, Bible Study and Prayer
Spiritual life is maintained by spiritual food, We must maintain the habit of devotional Bible Study and prayer if we are to perfect holiness. In a time when a flood of communication pours from the printed page, radio, television, the internet, and other modern mass media, when thousands of voices plead for a hearingm we must close our eyes and our ears to much that seeks entrance to our minds and devote ourselves to God's Book, the Book of all books, the Book of Life - - the Bible. If we cease to be the people of the Book, we are lost, and our mission has failed. Only as we daily talk to God in prayer and listen to His voice can we hope to live the life that is "hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3: 3) and finish His work. Appears on page 137 of the 18th Edition
The former section titled Reading (page 177, 178) has been renamed to Modern Media, and the following texts have been included in this section.
Like our bodies, our inner beings need wholesome nourishment for 18 renewal and strengthening (2 Cor. 4: 6). Our minds are the measure of our persons. Food for our minds is of the utmost importance in developing character and in carrying out our life‟s purposes. For this reason we should carefully evaluate our mental habits. What we choose to read, hear, and watch, whether by book or magazine, radio or television, the internet, or other modern media shapes and impacts our character. Appears on page 142 of the 18th Edition
This text found in 'Modern Media' has been changed to read . . .
Books and other literature are among the most valuable means of education and culture, but these must be well chosen and rightly used. There is a wealth of good literature, but equally there is a flood of literature, often in most attractive guise, that damages minds and morals. The tales of wild adventure and of moral laxness, whether fact or fiction, however presented, are unfit for Christians of any age. Appears on page 142 of the 18th Edition
The former section titled, Radio and Television has been incorporated into, Modern Media
Radio, television, and the internet have changed the whole atmosphere of our modern world and have brought us within easy contact with the life, thought, and activities of the entire globe. They can be great educational agencies through which we can enlarge our knowledge of world events and enjoy important discussions and the best in music. "and the internet" is the addition to this text Appears on page 142 of the 18th Edition
'radio and television' is replaced by modern mass media. The last line updated too.
Unfortunately, however, modern mass media also can bring to their audiences almost continuous theatrical and other performances with influences that are neither wholesome nor uplifting. If we are not discriminating, they will bring sordid programs right into our homes. Appears on page 142 of the 18th Edition
The following text has been added to the section, Sabbathkeeping (page 173 in 17th Edition)
"The Sabbath—oh!—make it the sweetest, the most blessed day of the whole week."—FLB 36.
"The Sabbath . . . is God's time, not ours; when we trespass upon it we are stealing from God . . . God has given us the whole of six days in which to do our work, and has reserved only one to Himself. This should be a day of blessing to us—a day when we should lay aside all our secular matters and center our thoughts upon God and heaven."—HP 152.
"We are not to teach our children that they must not be happy on the Sabbath, that it is wrong to walk out of doors. Oh, no. Christ led His disciples out by the lakeside on the Sabbath day and taught them. His sermons on the Sabbath were not always preached within enclosed walls."—HP 152.
Appears on page 138 of the 18th Edition
In the section for Music, the following text replaces last paragraph on page 179
Music is one of the highest arts. Good music not only gives us pleasure but elevates our minds and cultivates our fine qualities. God often has used spiritual songs to touch the hearts of sinners and lead to repentance. On the contrary, debased music breaks down morality and draws us away from our relationship with God. Appears on page 143 of the 18th Edition
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