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Be an Example to Fellow Believers, April 27
Exerting a Right Influence
Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in
charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
By the atmosphere surrounding us, every person with whom we come
in contact is consciously or unconsciously affected.... Our words, our
acts, our dress, our deportment, even the expression of the countenance,
has an influence.... Every impulse thus imparted is seed sown which
will produce its harvest. It is a link in the long chain of human events,
extending we know not whither. If by our example we aid others in the
development of good principles, we give them power to do good. In
their turn they exert the same influence upon others, and they upon still
others. Thus by our unconscious influence thousands may be blessed.
Throw a pebble into the lake, and a wave is formed; and another and
another; and as they increase, the circle widens, until it reaches the very
shore. So with our influence. Beyond our knowledge or control it tells
upon others in blessing or in cursing....
And the wider the sphere of our influence the more good we may do.
When those who profess to serve God follow Christ’s example, practicing
the principles of the law in their daily life; when every act bears witness
that they love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves, then will
the church have power to move the world.
If young men make their model an exalted one, having pure morals
and firm principles, and if blended with this are affability and true Chris-
tian courtesy, there is a refined perfection to the character which will
win its way anywhere, and a powerful influence will be wielded in favor
of virtue, temperance, and righteousness. Such characters will be of the
highest value to society, more precious than gold. Their influence is for
time and for eternity.
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