Influence

How do you have an influence for Jesus in a world that is ever-indulging in the influence of sin?

As I thought about this topic and question, I found it a challenge within myself. I do my best to try to show others Jesus as consistently as I can. But… I am human. I fail. So I figured I’d look to what the Bible says about this.

One of the 10 commandments is to love others. So what does that look like? Who does that look like?

Philippians 2:5,7-8

“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus…. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death – even to death on a cross.“

Jesus was the perfect example of humility, obedience and love. He sat with sinners, but didn’t indulge in their lifestyle. In the same way, we are called to sho others love and follow his example without allowing the sin of the world to influence us.

It seems like a such a simple answer, but as we all know, its not always that easy. People are hard to love sometimes. Pressure is hard to abstain from sometimes. Sin is hard to give up when it looks so attractive.

The good news is, we aren’t called to perfection. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive for progress and to follow the calling God has set before us.

So here are some practical examples of how you can be the influence in a world that is ever-indulging in sin:

• Invite someone you know to coffee and show them love.
• Invite someone to church.
• Ask how you can pray for them.
• Pray for them without asking (or even without them knowing).
• “Kill them with Kindness”
• Stay consistent in your daily Bible and prayer time.
• Ask others to hold you accountable.
• Talk about it!
• Refrain from gossip/slander
• Join a community who also shares the same goal to influence the world for Jesus.
• Pray and lean into refinement.