I have always believed that we are a product of our influences. How we influence others is sometimes intentional at other times not at all. Putting influence into perspective is challenging. Are you supposed to care who you influence and who influences you?? One thing is certain you are influencing others and you are being influenced by others. Surely there is a way to control this. To a degree at least.
When I consider the idea and action of influence I look at the person of Jesus. He has done what no one could and has made every influential action to be that which will bring forth a positive outcome. Jesus didn't demand to have influence though. He was meek, ultra loving, and involved personally on those he influenced.
When Christ was on the earth He had apostles and told them to make disciples also. Jesus knew that to influence the world you must first influence individuals one on one. He knew that while he was the way the truth and the life He had to involve others in making that message believable. Bottom line is this. Jesus wasn't a self proclaimed influence. Jesus diligently put in the time to walk and talk among his apostles (a small group of men) with love above all, as a means to reach all men.
He told them to go and tell, baptize in His name when He himself could have used the powers of heaven and earth to make the world believe. Jesus was in the business of involving others in the gospel. Not just self proclaiming it.
His example in such, is the single greatest influence any life can come under. Look around, focus on the people right in front of you, the people you see every day. No need to try to reach or influence everyone. The best way to reach everyone with positive influence is to just reach those in your immediate future. With love. No matter what agenda you're pushing, no matter how passionate you are, if you do to put in the time to just spend time with people and care for them, you will have no influence at all.
It is interesting to note that Christ seemed to have no influence aside from God the Father. He was so busy trying to influence others positively that He didn't have time for others to influence him. Especially not negatively. Even satan tried to tempt Christ but Christ knew his mission. To love. Seek and save. Bring life more abundant. Etc. Likewise, If we focus on loving people, we allow little to no bad influences in our lives.
GUEST POST BY: JOE KITSON
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