You neglect to keep your heart, and neglect to do good with the means which God has given you. Your influence could benefit did you feel that anything was required of you toward those who need help, who need encouraging and strengthening. But you have so long studied your pleasure that you are disqualified to benefit those around you. You need to discipline yourself in order that your affections and thoughts may be brought into subjection. Take time for self-examination, that you may bring all your powers in subjection to the mind and will of God. You are shut up to self. It is the privilege of every true Christian to exert an influence for good over everyone with whom he associates. {2T 231.1}

Du værner ikke om dig selv og gør ikke godt med de midler Gud har givet dig. Din indflydelse kunne være til gavn dersom du følte at noget forlanges af dig, for dem der behøver hjælp, dem som behøver opmuntring og styrke. Men du har så længe taget hensyn til dine behageligheder at du ikke kan glæde dem omkring dig. Du mangler at disciplinere dig selv for at din hengivenhed og tanker kan underkastes. Tage tid til selvransagelse, så du kan underlægge alle dine kræfter under Guds sind og vilje. Du er spærret inde hos dig selv. Det den kristnes privilegium at udøve godt overfor enhver han omgås.