Purposefully Influence for Good
Sociologists say we will influence or be influenced by 10,000 people in our lifetime. 1 I wonder if that’s true.
But think of those who do influence us—relatives, friends, teachers, preachers, neighbors, doctors, politicians, bosses, co-workers, salesmen, repairmen and many more.
In turn, we have our own sphere of influence. People whose lives we touch. We influence.
Influencing is “the power to change or affect someone or something; to cause changes without directly forcing them to happen.” So, we can choose to influence for good, not bad; to help, not hurt; to serve, not abuse; to encourage, not discourage. “Live purposefully and worthily,” the Apostle Paul advised. (Eph. 5:15)
Jamie Buckingham, in writing to Christians, said: “Most of us don’t realize it, but our influence is much larger than we can imagine—and will continue for generations to come, be it good or evil. It’s a wonderful responsibility. Always remember though, Jesus is ever with you and His Spirit will whisper just the things you need to say and do.”2
I believe God wants mature Christians to mentor younger believers–to help them grow in the Lord, and to help them fulfill their destinies. While mentoring isn’t mentioned in the Bible “go make disciples” was a command of Jesus.
The Bible is replete with mentoring examples: Elisha learned from Elijah. Mary, while expecting the baby Jesus, went to her older relative Elizabeth and stayed for three months. Paul took young Timothy under his care as a son and wrote him, “Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know from whom you learned it.” (2 Tim.3:14) He even wrote Titus that the older women were to train the younger women “to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind.” (Titus 2:2-4).
Someone said every believer needs a Paul to teach him, a Barnabas to encourage him, and a Timothy to carry out what they taught. In the upcoming Great Awakening, it is going to take many to disciple/mentor the thousands of new believers who will need to be taught the ways of Christ.
Maybe you would like to jot down ways other people or things have influenced and blessed you. Then recall ways you were a helpful influencer. Let’s thank God for those priceless occasions! Questions to consider:
“The things you learned and received, heard and saw in me, these do,” Paul wrote the Philippians from jail. (Ph.4:9) To the Corinthians he wrote, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” (I Cor. 11:1).
So, let’s take an active role in influencing others for God! Let’s be among those who help bring in the harvest of souls.
Prayer: Father, bless those who have made a helpful and significant influence on me. Show me those You would have me influence for Your glory. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture: “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.” (Eph 5:15-16 AMPC)
Footnotes:
1.John C. Maxwell, Developing the Leader Within You, (Nashville, TN., Thomas Nelson ,1995) p.2.
2. Jamie Buckingham, The Nazarene, (Ann Arbor, Michigan, Servant Publication, 1991), p. 89.
3.Blog from my book : Quin Sherrer, Cast Your Shadow: Influence On Purpose, available on Amazon.
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