Influence and 40,000 Men
THE influence of every minister I have ever known intimately has, like Gerizim and Ebal, blessed or cursed me. Regardless of our position, whether needle or pole, an influence vibration of weal or woe is emitted.
Childhood days found me making heroes out of preachers. Interestingly enough, after twenty-five years of ministerial service, I haven't gotten over this habit. Certain godly shepherds have continually added spiritual concrete to my life's foundation by simply being consistent Christians under all circumstances.
Powerless Piggy Bank
Of course, disillusionment rewarded me a few times. I well remember one minister who ranked high on my hero list. His spellbinding ability of quoting Spirit of Prophecy contents, including page number and position, startled me. He gave the subject of sacrificial living full treatment repeatedly. His persuasive powers made me want to empty my pockets every time the collection plate went by. My piggy bank was powerless to hold its contents after hearing him speak on giving.
Highway Leviathan
One day, back in the days when possession of a Ford or its equivalent was quite a financial feat, my hero maneuvered into a parking space in front of our home the biggest Buick made! As my youthful eyes surveyed that highway leviathan from hood emblem to chrome-plated tail pipe, my convictions of sacrificial living began to melt like snowflakes on hot lava. Through experience I have finally learned not to stumble over outward appearances. But the impressions received that day taught me that no man lives unto himself. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" (Gal. 5:9).
Paul Helped Me
The apostle Paul helped me solve the problem of influence and how I should relate myself to others. He told me that some things "may be perfectly legal, but it may not be best and helpful."—Living Letters, on 1 Cor. 10:23 (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois). Further on in this chapter Paul claims that I shouldn't eat any food if I am aware of its being offered to idols. The interesting point is that the basis of my not eating it is not for my own conscience but for the conscience of the man who knows the background of the food. As soon as I heard this I immediately wanted to ask why someone else's conscience should determine my actions. If a thing in itself is not wrong, why should I sacrifice my enjoyment just to avoid ill feeling? Before I could ask, Paul asked the same questions and answered them (see verses 28-33). Paul gave me a marvelous thought when he declared that everything he did he desired to do to the glory of God. His love for God was so great that he wanted to do everything possible to live a life which would save his fellow men and not lose them through wrong influence. He said, "I try to please everyone in everything I do, not doing what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them, so that they may be saved."—Living Letters, on verse 33.
Gold-Plated Rolls Royce
How is this principle applied? If someone should give me a gold-plated Rolls Royce as a gift, would it be wrong for me to drive it? I think not. But if I did use it, I would spend endless hours explaining to my members that it was a gift. Then think of those who would see me driving it and would never hear the explanation. Love and respect for my sheep and my neighbors would dictate that I drive something far less conspicuous for the sake of others.
Second Desserts
Whether it be plain or flashy clothes, one or two desserts, modest or palatial homes, recreation or amusements, my choices in life will inevitably involve consideration for my brother's conscience if I follow Paul's advice. Every man is a pattern followed by someone. Death is powerless to erase influence's effect. Only at the moment when the "former things" shall pass away will the universe be free from the visitations of evil influence. Until that time, the world will continue to be a part of all that it meets. Only those whose lives are Spirit-led can resist the bad while using the good to strengthen the wavering powers of the soul.
Napoleon and 40,000 Men
The Duke of Wellington said, "I considered Napoleon's presence in the field equal to forty thousand men in the balance." As I understand this statement, if forty thousand men in battle were on the verge of retreating, Napoleon's presence could tip the scales in favor of an advance rather than a retreat. In the Adventist ranks today there are thousands who desperately need the presence of a man of God whose right influence will tip the scales of the soul in favor of advancement. Outside our ranks is a world quietly watching our every move. The magnetic pull of an exemplary life is Christ's greatest answer to unbelief and skepticism.
