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 cooperate with
Him in the work of saving souls. It is only by revealing in our life His character that we can
cooperate with Him. And the wider the sphere of our influence, the more good we may do.
When those who profess to serve God follow Christs 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 for evil. To lose
ones own soul is a terrible thing; but to cause the loss of other souls is still more terrible.
That our influence should be a savor of death unto death is a fearful thought; yet this is
possible. Many who profess to gather with Christ are scattering from Him. This is why the
church is so weak. Many indulge freely in criticism and accusing. By giving expression to
suspicion, jealousy, and discontent, they yield themselves as instruments to Satan. Before
they realize what they are doing, the adversary has through them accomplished his purpose.
The impression of evil has been made, the shadow has been cast, the arrows of Satan have
found their mark. Distrust, unbelief, and downright infidelity have fastened upon those
who otherwise might have accepted Christ.
Meanwhile the workers for Satan look complacently upon those whom they have
driven to skepticism, and who are now hardened against reproof and entreaty. They flatter
themselves that in comparison with these souls they are virtuous and righteous. They do
not realize that these sad wrecks of character are the work of their own unbridled tongues
and rebellious hearts. It is through their influence that these tempted ones have fallen.
So frivolity, selfish indulgence, and careless indifference on the part of professed
Christians are turning away many souls from the path of life. Many there are who will
fear to meet at the bar of God the results of their influence. It is only through the grace of
God that we can make a right use of this endowment.Christs Object Lessons, 340, 341.irresistible influence. By revealing in our own life the character of Christ we cooperate with
Him in the work of saving souls. It is only by revealing in our life His character that we can
cooperate with Him. And the wider the sphere of our influence, the more good we may do.
When those who profess to serve God follow Christs 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 for evil. To lose
ones own soul is a terrible thing; but to cause the loss of other souls is still more terrible.
That our influence should be a savor of death unto death is a fearful thought; yet this is
possible. Many who profess to gather with Christ are scattering from Him. This is why the
church is so weak. Many indulge freely in criticism and accusing. By giving expression to
suspicion, jealousy, and discontent, they yield themselves as instruments to Satan. Before
they realize what they are doing, the adversary has through them accomplished his purpose.
The impression of evil has been made, the shadow has been cast, the arrows of Satan have
found their mark. Distrust, unbelief, and downright infidelity have fastened upon those
who otherwise might have accepted Christ.
Meanwhile the workers for Satan look complacently upon those whom they have
driven to skepticism, and who are now hardened against reproof and entreaty. They flatter
themselves that in comparison with these souls they are virtuous and righteous. They do
not realize that these sad wrecks of character are the work of their own unbridled tongues
and rebellious hearts. It is through their influence that these tempted ones have fallen.
So frivolity, selfish indulgence, and careless indifference on the part of professed
Christians are turning away many souls from the path of life. Many there are who will
fear to meet at the bar of God the results of their influence. It is only through the grace of