Today there are many considered “influencers” on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms. However, not all “influencers” may be the best by whom to be influenced. Therefore, we need to remain mindful of what influence we are allowing to shape our life. (note Romans 12:2) In preparation for reading this focus, think about some of the people who have had a significant impact in your life and consider how you can — with the help of God — take it from there.
In Solomon’s list of the varied matters of life under heaven, he began with. . .
“(3) For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: (2) a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 ESV)
Beginning with noting this earthly realm’s bookends of birth and death, what Solomon went on to list were the varied things generally experienced or witnessed between those two points. Each of us lives with an awareness we had a beginning for being brought forth onto life’s scene and usually celebrate that date once each year as we count off their number. However, we do not count the days to our death because we do not know that for certain. Looking at our birth certificate we should note it records the day of our birth, but there is no expiration date.
In 1930, a baby girl was born into a family who I am sure rejoiced at the sight of their first child while acknowledging not knowing how long that life might be lived, or all that life might become. However, because of that birth — especially in connection with God’s scheme of things including the godly mother who had given birth — there in its infancy was the great potential for impacting in significant ways perhaps not even thought of at the time. It was in the passing of the years that the significance took on very personal meaning as life can for all of us especially in the acknowledgement of life lived under Heaven; living life cognizant of God. This baby girl became my mother and today (October 18) she is ninety-four years old, and I celebrate the connection God brought about. Despite struggling with some cognitive issues, she remains a sweet encourager of my life and all I do, even things I myself had never imagined I would be doing in ministry. Yes, I am very thankful to God for the mother He blessed me with (and the father who also had a godly influence in my life though he is no longer with us) who has never ceased to encourage this son of hers.
Here is my urging for you today. Never underestimate the power of your godly influence in the life of others. By the grace of God, He can use each one of us — even as imperfect beings — to impact the lives of others whether it be family, friends, classmates, co-workers, etc., as we strive to live true to who He has called us to be. Continue striving to exemplify godliness in your life and be an encourager of that in the lives of others. Thank God for those who encouraged and mentored you by engaging in such on behalf of those with whom He connects us. May we each, with God’s help, remain a part of perpetuating His Will on earth as it is in Heaven during all the days of our life!
Have a great day INFLUENCED BY GODLINESS TO INFLUENCE OTHERS!
Carl
