Many fail where they should be successful, because they do not realize how great is the influence of their words and actions. They are affected by circumstances, and seem to think that their lives are their own, and that they may pursue whatever course seems most agreeable to themselves, irrespective of others. Such persons will be found self-sufficient and unreliable. They do not prayerfully consider their position and their responsibilities, and fail to realize that only by a faithful discharge of the duties of the present life can they hope to win the future, immortal life. {4T 562.3}

Mange svigter hvor de burde handle, fordi de ikke indser hvor stor en indflydelse deres ord og handlinger har. De er påvirket af omstændighederne og lader som de tror deres liv er deres eget og at de kan gøre hvad de finder behageligt for sig selv, uden hensyn til andre. Sådanne personer vil man finde selvtilstrækkelige og upålidelige. De overvejer ikke deres stilling og deres ansvar bønligt og erkender ikke at de kun ved at passe deres pligter i deres nuværende liv kan håbe på at vinde det fremtidige, udødelige liv.