But never should it be forgotten that influence is no less a power for evil. To lose one's 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 341 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.

Men man må aldrig glemme, at indflydelse ikke har mindre magt, når det gælder det onde. Det er forfærdeligt at miste det evige liv, men at være årsag til, at andre går fortabt, er endnu mere forfærdeligt. Det er en frygtelig tanke, at vor indflydelse skulle kunne blive en duft af død til død, og dog er det muligt. Mange, der bekender sig til at samle med Kristus, spreder i virkeligheden. Det er grunden til, at menigheden er så svag. Mange tager frit del i kritik og beskyldninger Ved at give udtryk for mistanke, misundelse og misfornøjelse overlader de sig i Satans tjeneste. Før de er blevet klar over hvad de gør har modstanderen opnået sin hensigt ved deres hjælp. Det onde har efterladt sin indflydelse, skyggen er blevet kastet, Satans pile har ramt målet. Mistillid, vantro og ligefrem fritænkeri har fået tag i dem, der ellers kunne have taget imod Kristus, mens de, der har arbejdet for Satan, roligt betragter dem, som de har drevet ud i skepticisme, og som nu har forhærdet deres hjerte er over for tilrettevisning og bønner. De glæder sig over at de er dydige og retfærdige i sammenligning med dem. De er ikke klar over at disse stakkels, åndelige vrag skyldes deres egne ustyrlige tunger og oprørske hjerter. Det er på grund af deres indflydelse, at disse fristede mennesker er faldet.