p. 201 | The Missionary by Stephen N. Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 31, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 13.

The Missionary.

By Stephen N. Haskell

OUR INFLUENCE.

WE should indeed be startled if we could realize the extent of our influence, and could be aware of the various ways in which we exert it for evil. The talents which God has committed to his servants are the means by which we exert an influence upon our fellow-men. A few words dropped carelessly in the time of a crisis will oftentimes throw discouragement upon a conscientious soul, leaving it in a condition from which it would seem almost unable to rise. Selfishness ever mars the work of God, and when we come to give an account of ourselves at the last day, we shall be surprised to see how much we have done for good or for evil, simply by our influence over others.

God sees the motives and it is his special providence that is over the influence of the lives of his people, and makes it tell for good. When their hearts are true, and their lives devoted to God, and his fear before them day by day, then it is that angels of God co-operate with them and make their influence tell in the conversion of souls. Could we see things now as we shall see them in the Judgment; could we keep before us the solemn fact that the Investigative Judgment has already begun, our lives would be so affected that our influence would tell for God and the right; we would be always vigilant, always watchful, always circumspect, always heavenly minded, and if we could not fill up our lives with deeds of active obedience, we would be in a state of unrest, and would seek God earnestly that we might have the grace which would enable us to glorify his name.

The example of patient suffering is a mighty power for God. The influence of a murmuring and unreconciled spirit is pernicious. We should show how patiently and cheerfully we can suffer for God. We should look around us among our own neighbors and friends and feel that God holds us responsible for their salvation, or at least for calling their attention to the truth in such a manner as will leave a favorable impression. The very spirit and temper of our minds manifested through action, though we speak not a word, may turn the scale and decide the destiny of souls around us.

Sometimes a wife by her silent influence so helps or hinders her husband as to render him mighty in the work of God, or weak and utterly inefficient. None are so lowly as to have no influence upon the destiny of others. But sin has marred the judgment of many so they cannot discern between right and wrong. They can see only one side of the question. We need the enlightenment that God alone can give. We need a sanctified judgment. We need an understanding that has been sanctified by the truth of God. May the Lord help us to prepare for the coming storm, and be ever found on the Lord's side.

S. N. H.