Digging For Truth

           s p h e r e    o f    i n f l u e n c e              (  4  RELATED  PHRASES  )   

  Words of Love— Our duty is to live in the atmosphere of Christ’s love, to breathe His love deeply, and to reflect its warmth around us. Oh, what a sphere of influence is open before us! How carefully we should cultivate the garden of the soul, so that it may bring forth only pure, sweet, fragrant flowers! Words of love, tenderness, and charity sanctify our influence over others.— Our High Calling, 175. { VSS 50.2} 

  More and more, as time advances, our people will have to leave the cities. For years we have been instructed that our brethren and sisters, and especially families with children, should plan to leave the cities as the way opens before them to do so. Many will have to labor earnestly to help open the way. But until it is possible for them to leave, so long as they remain, they should be most active in doing missionary work, however limited their sphere of influence may be.— Selected Messages 2:360 (1906). { LDE 118.5} 

  Let none venture 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 words find a response in the unsanctified hearts of youth who have never submitted to caution or restraint. The influence of a thoughtless word may affect a soul’s eternal destiny. Every person is exerting an influence upon the lives of others. We must be either as a light to brighten and cheer their path, or as a desolating tempest to destroy. We are either leading our associates upward to happiness and immortal life, or downward to sorrow and eternal ruin. No man will perish alone in his iniquity. However contracted may be one’s sphere of influence, it is exerted either for good or for evil. One man upon his deathbed exclaimed: “Gather up my influence, and bury it with me.” Could this be done? No, no; like the thistle seed it had been borne everywhere and had taken root and would yield an abundant harvest. { 4T 654.2} 

  The influence of a thoughtless word may affect a soul’s eternal destiny. Every person is exerting an influence upon the lives of others. We must either be as a light to brighten and cheer their path, or as a desolating tempest to destroy. We are either leading our associates upward to happiness and immortal life, or downward to sorrow and eternal ruin. No man will perish alone in his iniquity. However contracted may be one’s sphere of influence, it is exerted either for good or for evil.—Testimonies for the Church 4:654. { PH048 6.3 } 

 The great apostle exclaims, “Who is sufficient for these things?” But many, whose sphere of influence seems narrow and weak, their abilities limited, their opportunities few, their knowledge not extended, their influence small, may, if they will let the peace of God rule in their hearts, do as much good, and more, than those who have efficiency, especially if they trust to their efficiency. “It is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts.” The strength and talents belong to God, and who can estimate the great work that may be done in the sowing of the gospel seed? It will be as the morsel of leaven hidden in the meal. { HM July 1, 1897, Art. B, par. 19 }

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               The  phrase  'our sphere of influence'  appears  xx  times in the published writings of EGW                     

  A lamp, however small, if kept steadily burning, may be the means of lighting many other lamps. Our sphere of influence may seem narrow, ... yet wonderful possibilities are ours through a faithful use of the opportunities of our own homes. If we will open our hearts and homes to the divine principles of life we shall become channels for currents of life-giving power. From our homes will flow streams of healing, bringing life and beauty and fruitfulness where now are barrenness and dearth. { FLB 278.5}