We live in a time where, at the speed of lightning, so much knowledge and information is being circulated. Unfortunately, not all the news and information going round is helpful. From school groups and cliques to music, cartoon programs, things people are given to drink at parties, to scrolling through social media, people are being lured into cults, dangerous activities, fake lifestyles, and unrealistic standards. Many people model their lives after what a religious leader, mentor, popular musician, or actress posts on their social media handles. The content they consume from these influencers and public figures have negative impacts on their lives. This is because not all influencers are spreading godly, valuable, and helpful information.
God has called us to influence our world, not to allow our world to influence us (Romans 12:1-2). You don’t need to be the owner of a multinational company, or to occupy a top government position, or have millions of people following you on social media before you can be a positive influence and impact your world. Simple things like not being lazy or shifty at work, treating employees with dignity, not unduly inflating the cost of your products can start and spread a positive change. We can also reinforce and encourage the spread of bad behavior by being neutral, ‘minding our own business’, not reporting, addressing, or even praying about destructive and negative patterns we see in our neighborhood, on the streets, in schools, churches, or amongst our leaders and people occupying sensitive positions.
When God wants to bring about a change in a situation, family, organization, or nation, God doesn’t step down from heaven to bring about this change. He uses people. When God wanted to bring about a change in the situation of the Israelites and deliver them from over 400 years of bondage and hardship in Egypt, God didn’t come down. He used Moses to spearhead this change (Exodus 2:23-25, Exodus 3). When God wanted His word fulfilled—that the captivity of the Israelites in Babylon would come to an end and the walls of Jerusalem would be rebuilt—God didn’t leave His throne in heaven to come and sort this out. He used Nehemiah to restore back the broken walls and bring about this much-anticipated change (Nehemiah 1). It took a group of people who stayed in an upper room to pray fervently to usher in the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the fulfillment of the promise God had earlier given that He would por out His Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28).
God is still looking for people to birth positive changes, to improve the way things are in our family, church, nation, and even globally. God is still looking for people who can play a crucial role, people whose lives will count, people who will make a significant difference, people who would live a life of impact. Our world is still very much in need of people like Joseph, Daniel, David, Esther, and Nehemiah who made a difference in their time. We can continue in the legacy and footsteps of these Bible characters who were instrumental to God’s work and plans if we understand that why we are here is to impact and influence our world and do things that will count for eternity. We are here to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). We are here to add value wherever we go, whatever we do.
It doesn’t take millions of naira, pounds, and dollars to make a difference or for our lives to count. Our lives can count for God and for eternity when we do to others what we would have them do to us (Matthew 7:12). Being full of goods deeds, such as praying for others, helping someone in need, helping someone who can never pay you back, or even helping someone who has badly hurt and offended you, can pay off in a big way and make a lasting positive impression (Matthew 5:16). Being a person of integrity, a sincere believer that people can count on your words any day, anytime, can contribute greatly to driving and establishing a culture of transparency and honesty (Matthew 5:37). In a world where people are fickle and only stick around when the going is good or there’s something in it for them, being an example of faithfulness and perseverance, demonstrating undying love for Christ, and immovable and unshakable faith even in the face of extreme adversity can have far-reaching effects (Philippians 2:5). Today, we are still talking about and learning from the unwavering faith of Abraham.
If all we think about and pursue is to get married, have children, travel abroad, buy and build houses, and have stacks of money stored up, we are limiting the effect and influence our relationship with Christ can have on our world. Don’t just be a Christian in church; let people out there feel your impact. Let the people God brings your way be touched positively by the light of Christ in you. Let your life count.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay
