Influence: the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others.
During the past week I’ve had the opportunity to view this idea of influence from a couple of different vantage points. Recently my friend Jeb & I attended the visitation of a gentlemen 83 years young. He was the grandfather of our mutual friend Scott. As Scott told us grandpa’s story he said of him “he never met a stranger.” Grandpa had been a life long resident of St Charles County MO and had spent countless hours at restaurants and ball games and days at the park. And the long line of people who had come to pay their respects gave testimony to his friendship, to his legacy, to his influence.
A couple days later I had the chance to visit our state capital with my son Joe. I had been invited to serve as chaplain for the Missouri State House of Representatives. During our time there I observed lots of influential people. Lots of people who have the civic duty to govern and propose legislation that affects the lives of the thousands of people living in Missouri. I would call that influence. I got an education into the role of a lobbyist. One paid by corporations to influence the votes of members of the House or Senate. It’s their full time occupation to influence votes.
And then there was me. As chaplain for the day the sole responsibility I had in this proceeding was to pray for God’s direction and blessing on these legislators. It was an honor. It was a privilege. It was maybe the most influential part of the day. For anytime we have the chance to seek God on behalf of another, there is nothing more influential we can do.
For those who follow Jesus daily we get the opportunity to influence the lives of others. As pray for others, speak to others, challenge others from God's Word or and warn them as they proceed down dangerous paths. The apostle Paul said 'we are God’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), as tho God is making his appeal through the likes of us.' This is no small matter. Rather it’s a great honor. To speak on behalf of Jesus Christ.
To represent the King of Kings.
And then there was me. As chaplain for the day the sole responsibility I had in this proceeding was to pray for God’s direction and blessing on these legislators. It was an honor. It was a privilege. It was maybe the most influential part of the day. For anytime we have the chance to seek God on behalf of another, there is nothing more influential we can do.
For those who follow Jesus daily we get the opportunity to influence the lives of others. As pray for others, speak to others, challenge others from God's Word or and warn them as they proceed down dangerous paths. The apostle Paul said 'we are God’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), as tho God is making his appeal through the likes of us.' This is no small matter. Rather it’s a great honor. To speak on behalf of Jesus Christ.
To represent the King of Kings.
Influence- use yours well my friend. For literally lives hang in the balance!
Image credit to lumaxart.com
Image credit to lumaxart.com
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