Character

THE LOWER POWERS

Our promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand.

• Emotions: "I like it", "Thats nice" Our emotions often work independently of our intellect or reason. ("I dont know why, but I dont like it") Emotions are usually not good guide.



• Appetites: (clothes, cars,...) any kind of craze or craving is an appetite. Appetites have usually power and control over us.



• Passions: "I must have it!", "I must do it!",I dont care!", "I am going to do that!" Often work independently.
  

HIGHER POWERS

• Intellect: the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will, the capacity for knowledge



• Reason: the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational ways



• Conscience: the sense of the moral goodness, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or good.
  

Controlling our will

E.White: the will is the gowerning power in the nature of man. Everything depends on the right action of the will. We have to exercise our will. To say YES or NO.

The will is the part of the mind, where decisions are made.

Even the thoughts must be brought into subjection to the will of God, and the feelings under the control of reason and religion. Our imagination was not given us to be allowed to run riot and have its own way, without any effort at restraint and discipline. If the thoughts are wrong, the feelings will be wrong; and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character.Strength of character consist of 2 things - power of will and power of self-control.

Philippians 2.13 "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."