Chapter 223—Ever-Widening Influence
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine
shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot
be condemned.
Titus 2:7, 8
.
The life of Christ was an ever-widening, shoreless influence, an influence
that bound Him to God and to the whole human family. Through Christ,
God has invested man with an influence that makes it impossible for him to
live to himself. Individually we are connected with our fellow men, a part of
God’s great whole, and we stand under mutual obligations. No man can be
independent of his fellow men; for the well-being of each affects others. It is
God’s purpose that each shall feel himself necessary to others’ welfare, and
seek to promote their happiness....
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.... 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....
Character is power. The silent witness of a true, unselfish, godly life
carries an almost irresistible influence. By revealing in our own life the
character of Christ we co-operate with Him in the work of saving souls. It
is only by revealing in our life His character that we can co-operate with
Him. 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.
But never should it be forgotten that influence is no less a power of evil.
To lose one’s own soul is a terrible thing; but to cause the loss of other souls
is still more terrible.... It is only through the grace of God that we can make
a right use of this endowment.
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