MH page 452

Wrongs cannot be righted, nor can reformations in conduct be made by a few feeble, intermittent efforts. Character building is the work, not of a day, nor of a year, but of a lifetime. The struggle for conquest over self, for holiness and heaven, is a lifelong struggle. Without continual effort and constant activity, there can be no advancement in the divine life, no attainment of the victor's crown.

Character building requires lifelong continuous effort rather than intermittent attempts. This offers moral and ethical counsel on personal discipline and spiritual growth.

The strongest evidence of man's fall from a higher state is the fact that it costs so much to return. The way of return can be gained only by hard fighting, inch by inch, hour by hour. In one moment, by a hasty, unguarded act, we may place ourselves in the power of evil; but it requires more than a moment to break the fetters and attain to a holier life. The purpose may be formed, the work begun; but its accomplishment will require toil, time, perseverance, patience, and sacrifice.

Reversing negative moral habits and overcoming wrongdoing requires sustained perseverance and time. This is a statement regarding moral habit formation and perseverance.

We cannot allow ourselves to act from impulse. We cannot be off guard for a moment. Beset with temptations without number, we must resist firmly or be conquered. Should we come to the close of life with our work undone, it would be an eternal loss.

Constant vigilance against temptation is necessary throughout life. This addresses spiritual vigilance and moral discipline.

The life of the apostle Paul was a constant conflict with self. He said, “I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31 . His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he did God's will, however crucifying to his nature.

The apostle Paul serves as an example of ongoing internal conflict and submission to God's will. This is a historical and biblical narrative about the Apostle Paul.