Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world ; it never converts the world to Christ . Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause it to appear less repulsive . He who chooses to associate with the servants of Satan will soon cease to fear their master . When in the way of duty we are brought into trial , as was Daniel in the king ’ s court , we may be sure that God will protect us ; but if we place ourselves under temptation we shall fall sooner or later .
The tempter often works most successfully through those who are least suspected of being under his control . The possessors of talent and education are admired and honored , as if these qualities could atone for the absence of the fear of God or entitle men to His favor . Talent and culture , considered in themselves , are gifts of God ; but when these are made to supply the place of piety , when , instead of bringing the soul nearer to God , they lead away from Him , then they become a curse and a snare . The opinion prevails with many that all which appears like courtesy or refinement must , in some sense , pertain to Christ . Never was there a greater mistake . These qualities should grace the character of every Christian , for they would exert a powerful influence in favor of true religion ; but they must be consecrated to God , or they also are a power for evil . Many a man of cultured intellect and pleasant manners , who would not stoop to what is commonly regarded as an immoral act , is but a polished instrument in the hands of Satan . The insidious , deceptive character of his influence and example renders him a more dangerous enemy to the cause of Christ than are those who are ignorant and uncultured .
By earnest prayer and dependence upon God , Solomon obtained the wisdom which excited the wonder and admiration of the world . But when he turned from the Source of his strength , and went forward relying upon himself , he fell a prey to temptation . Then the marvelous powers bestowed on this wisest of kings only rendered him a more effective agent of the adversary of souls .
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