This Sunday I shared a message about our influence. It is important that our influence counts for what really matters. We talked about the relationship between Paul and Timothy and how their lives were an example pointing people to Jesus.
Influence is important. It is something we cherish and choose! The way that I share it, learned it and believe it is this … Whoever shows up most in someone’s life wins the battle of influence.
Show up. That is where we make the biggest difference for the people we want to influence. But if we don’t show up, we cannot be an influence. If you are there for only a few and gone, you loose your influence. If you never show up, you have no influence. If your character does not line up with your intentions and words, you screw up your influence. But if you keep showing up and are consistent to show up and to live, your influence will increase substantially.
I want to be the one who influences people, and I want to give them what is best. Not leftovers. Not the edge of life and junk. Not the questionable or what doesn’t last. we are talking about life, real life, strong life and new life.
If we don’t show up, we have no influence. If our faith is weak and our talk is cheap, we have no influence. If we keep showing up, we have great influence. If we have strong faith backed up by a life lived by faith, we have incredible influence. If we are pointed people to Christ who makes all the difference, we have eternal influence, and that is where I want to be!
Paul was ready to move on because his influence had counted big time.
2 Timothy 4:6-7 NLT
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
Let’s take it a step further with these quotes from Pastor Benny Tate:
If you want to impress people, talk about your successes. If you what to Impact people, talk about your failures.
If you want to influence people, let your actions be louder than your words.
That is good. Share your shortcomings and failures and watch God use them to change lives. Make sure your words and actions match. That will influence people most.
Matthew 6:19-21 NTL
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Our treasurer isn’t here. But our treasure is in the lives that we influence.
May we influence others for Christ. May our lives count for what really counts as we point people to Jesus!
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