Impacting Others for Christ

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

I want to ask you a few questions. Where are you in your walk with Christ? How would your life be different if God had not brought certain people into your life? Who influenced your relationship with Jesus?

Maybe it was a parent, a grandparent, or a teacher. Maybe it was a friend or a sibling. Perhaps it was a person who ministered to you in your greatest need. You are not where you are because of some orator or preacher. Rather, you are here today because of the investment of someone who doesn’t even know to this day how much they encouraged you.

For my life, I think about the little church where I grew up, and I think about Mrs. Wood. She had a son who later became a Methodist preacher. She made an incredible impact on him and so many others, including me. In Vacation Bible School, she encouraged us to read God's Word. She challenged us to read through the Bible in one year. That was a powerful thing for me
to hear as a fifth grader. Do you know how thin the pages are and how small the print is? I followed through on her challenge and it had an amazing effect on me. I will never forget her investment in us.

There was another lady, Mrs. Farer. She encouraged us to memorize Scripture. She told me I needed to memorize Scripture because I wouldn't always have a Bible in my hand; I would need to hide it in my heart and use it. She was certainly right!

These are just a few examples, but they are powerful instances of investing in someone’s life. When we are obedient and faithful in our own walk with the Lord, we can have a lasting impact on others.

Who are you impacting, challenging, encouraging, and influencing to grow in Christ?