Solomon’s Repentance
53
Among the many lessons taught by Solomon’s life, none is more
strongly emphasized than the power of influence for good or for ill.
However contracted may be our sphere, we still exert an influence for
weal or woe. Beyond our knowledge or control, it tells upon others in
blessing or cursing. It may be heavy with the gloom of discontent and
selfishness, or poisonous with the deadly taint of some cherished sin;
or it may be charged with the life-giving power of faith, courage, and
hope, and sweet with the fragrance of love. But potent for good or for
ill it will surely be.
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That our influence should be a savor of death unto death is a fearful
thought, yet it is possible. One soul misled, forfeiting eternal bliss—
who can estimate the loss! And yet one rash act, one thoughtless word,
on our part may exert so deep an influence on the life of another that it
will prove the ruin of his soul. One blemish on the character may turn
many away from Christ.
As the seed sown produces a harvest, and this in turn is sown,
the harvest is multiplied. In our relation to others, this law holds
true. Every act, every word, is a seed that will bear fruit. Every deed
of thoughtful kindness, of obedience, of self-denial, will reproduce
itself in others, and through them in still others. So every act of
envy, malice, or dissension is a seed that will spring up in a “root of
bitterness” whereby many shall be defiled.
Hebrews 12:15
. And how
much larger number will the “many” poison! Thus the sowing of good
and evil goes on for time and for eternity.
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