2 Corinthians 10:15-16 (ESV)
But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you
Spiritual influence is given to those whom God can trust. The level of trust that God places in us is directly related to the sacrifice we are willing to make. Paul, writing to the Corinthians in this verse mentioned his desire that his area of influence would grow so that he could preach the gospel in lands beyond them. This was the same Paul who spent a night in prison with Silas singing praises to God because of their predicament. Because of their sacrifice and commitment to following the call of God, an earthquake shook the jailhouse, and presented an opportunity for Paul and Silas to tell the warden’s family how they could be saved. They had great influence because of great sacrifice.
Becoming a FITChurch (healthy in the spiritual sense and the physical sense) expands the area of influence. Because a sacrifice is being made in the area of exercising, eating, praying, study and service, the expansion of influence for the Kingdom of God will come. However, as we talked about in yesterday’s theme, the motive behind the Message must always be for the glory of God and not the attention of man. That concept directly relates to your level of influence as well.
People whose lives have remained on this earth long after their death were those who did extraordinary things in the course of their years on earth. These people were totally committed to the cause of Christ and willing to lay down their lives as a sacrifice so that other people would have the opportunity to know Him.
- William Booth – Founder, Salvation Army
- Jim Elliot – One of five missionaries who lost their lives in Ecuador
- Charles Spurgeon – pastor of one of the largest churches in London
- Chester Osland – my grandfather who was a pastor, builder, father, grandfather and follower of Christ
These people have come and gone on this earth but their legacy lives on. What will your legacy speak on your behalf?
Questions to consider:
- Who has influenced you for the good? The bad?
- Have you influenced someone else concerning the cause of Christ?
Challenge for Today:
- Do a short study on someone you admire or someone you heard of that did a great service for the Kingdom of God. What are some of the characteristics of their life?
Personal Reflections: