34
The Voice in Speech and Song
expressed an opinion or decision, they are often too proud to retract
it, and try to prove themselves in the right, until they come to believe
that they are.
It is dangerous to utter a word of doubt, dangerous to question and
criticize divine light. The habit of careless and irreverent criticism
reacts upon the character in fostering irreverence and unbelief. Many
a man indulging this habit has gone on unconscious of danger until
he was ready to criticize and reject the work of the Holy Spirit.—
The
Desire of Ages, 323
.
Influence Outside the Church—The professed followers of
Christ should realize that the influence of their words and acts not
only has a bearing upon themselves, but extends outside the church.
If they could see the mischief wrought by their careless words, the
repetition of vague reports, the unjust censures, there would be far less
talking and more praying when Christians assemble together.—
The
Review and Herald, October 19, 1886
.
Impact on Nonbelievers—The life, the words, and the deport-
ment are the most forcible argument, the most solemn appeal, to the
careless, irreverent, and skeptical. Let the life and character be the
strong argument for Christianity; then men will be compelled to take
knowledge of you that you have been with Jesus and have learned of
[54]
Him.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 478
.
Influence Even After Death—There are few who realize how far-
reaching is the influence of their words and acts. How often the errors
of parents produce the most disastrous effects upon their children and
children’s children, long after the actors themselves have been laid in
the grave. Everyone is exerting an influence upon others, and will be
held accountable for the result of that influence. Words and actions
have a telling power, and the long hereafter will show the effect of our
life here. The impression made by our words and deeds will surely
react upon ourselves in blessing or in cursing. This thought gives an
awful solemnity to life, and should draw us to God in humble prayer
that He will guide us by His wisdom.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 556
.
A Thoughtless Word, a Soul’s Eternal Destiny—Let none ven-
ture to speak lightly of the cautions given by those whose duty it is
to guard their moral and spiritual welfare. The words may seem to
be of little consequence, producing only a momentary impression on
the minds of the hearers. But this is not all. In many cases these