Personal Influence by J. W. Lowe

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 15, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 24.

Personal Influence

By J. W. Lowe

EVERY man, woman, and youth is constantly exerting an influence for either good or ill. The world or some part of it has been made better or worse by the life of every individual who has lived on this earth. It is impossible for one to have an existence and not in some way or particular be instrumental in influencing others.

And our influence does not stop with the individuals who have personally come in contact with us. Persons who have been influenced by us, in turn influence other persons. And thus each personal influence, for either good or ill, has its effect on, and on, as long as time continues.

The above statements being true, who can estimate the good or ill that any one life may be instrumental in accomplishing? And in view of these facts, how can one fully sense his responsibility in this matter and not resolve that the evil in his character

shall be eradicated, that only good may come from his influence?

Considering the influence that every person is unavoidably wielding, what a serious and even solemn thing it is to live! It has been truly said that it is a solemn thing to die. But in the light of personal influence, it is certainly a much more solemn thing to live.

To live in such a way that our life shall be a constant uplift to all who come under our influence is reasonably required of every soul. Every intelligent person is more or less responsible for the acts of others. We should consider ourselves mutually responsible for one another. In the Judgment, we will find that our influence in this world has been taken into account. J. W. LOWE.