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OUR INFLUENCE

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 5, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 31, No. 21.

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OUR INFLUENCE.

By A. Elisa Buckland.

We little realize what a great influence each one exerts over his fellow-beings, or how our actions tell on those with whom we associate. We are too prone to forget that “our Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” 1 Sam. ii, 3. Every act or word carries with it its influence, and may affect the life and character of some poor soul who may be looking to us for example. We little realize what good we might do if we were only living right, and every act pure and good. How very careful we should be, and watchful, that every act should be right, that our influence should tell on the side of truth, and show to the world that we believe what we profess, and that we are looking for our Lord and Master, and believe his coming near.
My mind was called to this subject while reading Testimony No. 13, where, speaking to the young, it says, “The youth, if right, could sway a mighty influence.” I, for one, fully realize this to be true, and that our influence, if right, could be the means of doing much good, and would tell on the minds and hearts of those with whom we associate.
We have been too cold and lukewarm in the service of the Lord, standing too much in need of help, instead of working ourselves, and trying to get right, and trusting in the Lord for help to overcome our sins and besetments. How many duties have been presented before us, chances of doing much good for our young friends, had we always lived right before them, and ever walked in the counsels of God. How often have we neglected the path of duty until we have grown cold in the cause of God. This has pleased the enemy, and souls that might have been helped by us, and led to investigate these truths, are still walking the downward way to death. I am very thankful for the testimonies and admonitions to the young, and I earnestly desire to give heed to all the instructions that I have, that I may be prepared when Jesus comes to be gathered with his remnant people.
Your unworthy sister in Christ,
A. ELISA BUCKLAND.
Albion, N. Y.