What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Influence of Nature on Personality Development"
Answer
Direct contact with nature and work outdoors refine the character, as they promote qualities such as patience, diligence, and obedience to natural laws. Nature serves as a textbook that, through its beauty and purity, leads the spirit away from worldly distractions toward God. Moreover, engaging with creation strengthens spiritual abilities and cultivates sensitivity in dealing with other people.
Character Development through Gardening
When preparing the soil, the thoughtful worker will discover treasures before him that he could scarcely have imagined. No one can be successful in agriculture or horticulture without observing the laws that accompany them... The attention required when transplanting... the care of young plants, pruning and watering... teach not only important lessons about character development, but the work itself is a means of growth. By cultivating diligence, patience, attention to detail, and obedience to the law, it provides essential training.
Nature as a Source of Purity and Peace
In these lessons directly from nature lies a simplicity and purity that give them the highest value. All need the teachings that come from this source. Within itself, the beauty of nature leads the soul away from sin and worldly temptations toward purity, peace, and God... Thus the spiritual forces are strengthened, character is developed, and the whole life is ennobled.
Examples from Nature for Personality
Many lessons can be drawn from nature: for example, confidence from the tree that grows alone on a plain or hillside, its roots deep in the earth, and in its robust strength resists the storm; the power of early influence from the gnarled, shapeless trunk that was bent as a seedling... the secret of a holy life from the water lily...
Growth through Work and Care
In our present fallen condition, all that is needed is to allow spirit and character to follow their natural tendencies. If one leaves a field in the natural world to itself, one will see it become covered with brush and thorns; but if it is to produce precious grain or beautiful flowers, diligence and tireless work must be applied.
Strengthening of Intellect and Disposition
Through the influence of the invigorating, revitalizing, and life-giving properties of nature’s great medicinal resources, bodily functions are strengthened, intellect awakened, imagination stimulated, disposition enlivened, and the spirit prepared to appreciate the beauty of God’s Word.
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Original Sources (English)
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