In physiology, assimilation refers to the conversion of absorbed food into the body. In other words it refers to the transforming of food into living tissue. In a mental sense it means to absorb or incorporate knowledge into the mind. In a spiritual sense it refers to the process by which the feelings, thoughts, and character of one person become the same feelings, thoughts and character of another person so that there is a spiritual resemblance or similarity. This word is often used socially to refer to a minority or immigrant group of people gradually adopting the characteristics of the dominant culture where they are residing.
“Assimilation is a law of human nature. Satan works with untiring perseverance to use this law, ordained by God to be a power for good, to forward His plans. He seeks to blend together righteous and unrighteous principles in order that through this union sin may lose its offensive appearance. He mixes chaff with the wheat.” The Upward Look, 123.
“Christ saw Satan patterning after heaven by the use of human association, thus extending the contagion of evil, and He determined to make His church a resisting element. His people are not to borrow the forms and customs of the world, but are to be instinct with the principles which make the church on earth a symbol of the church in heaven, a channel through which heaven’s rich blessings can flow.” Ibid.
“It is God’s plan that in His church heavenly influences shall be reinforced and stimulated by the cooperation of the members with Him. His people are to increase in strength and efficiency, knowing that the atmosphere which surrounds the souls of righteous believers is the same as the atmosphere in the heaven of purity and light and love.” Ibid.
“The great work of Christ’s disciples upon the earth is a daily assimilation to the character of our Saviour. … We must have the character of Christ, and then we shall better understand what heaven is like.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, 376.
“Our message to the church and to our institutions is: ‘Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’ (Matthew 3:2). The attributes of Christ’s character are to be cherished, and these are to become a power in the lives of God’s people.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Book 2, 559.