Those who maintain their fidelity to God in the midst of opposing influences are gaining an experience of the highest value. Their strength increases with every obstacle surmounted, every temptation overcome. This fact is often overlooked. When a person has received the truth, mistaken friends fear to expose him to any test or trial, and they immediately endeavor to secure for him an easier position. He goes to some place where all are in harmony with him. But is his spiritual strength increased thereby? In many cases not. He comes to have as little real stamina as a hothouse plant. He ceases to watch; his faith becomes weak; he is neither growing in grace himself nor aiding others. {5T 183.1}

Dem som fastholder sit troskab mod Gud midt iblandt modstridende påvirkninger får erfaringer, af højeste værdi. Deres styrke vil øges for hver underlagt hindring, enhver fristelse overvindes. Denne kendsgerning overses ofte. Når en person har modtaget sandheden, udsætter misforståede venners angst ham for alle prøvelser og de sørger straks for at få ham i en lettere position. Han går fra et sted hvor alt er i harmoni med ham. Men øges hans åndelige styrke derved? i mange tilfælde ikke. Han får ligeså lidt modstandskraft som en væksthusplante. Han er ikke længere på vagt; hans tro bliver svag; han hverken selv vokser i nåden, eller hjælper andre.