(3) The sin of idolatry. Every life that has not put God first now worships at the shrine of a self-elevated idol, the tangible expression of its ideal. To dethrone it from love and substitute Jesus Christ shakes to the foundations.
(4) Weakness of spiritual aspirations. It is a law of the feelings that repression instead of expression weakens a feeling and tends to its destruction. If the life has refused to act upon its impulses toward God through the years, the task of making the feeling strong enough to lead into action now is one beyond the power of the teacher. It must be done by God, who "is able to raise up even from the dead."
40. Results to be Expected.—As life nears its meridian and the west grows clearer, it ought to be with unveiled face and character changing into His likeness in beauty, love, and self-surrendered service.
Test Questions
1. What is the keyword of maturity?
2. Name four characteristics.
3. For what has the soul special capacity at this time?
4. What special opportunities are presented by maturity?
5. What are three needs of maturity?
6. What must definitely mark the teaching?