Your Sphere of Influence

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

Hello friends.  Do you realize that you have a sphere of influence?  This is the group of people you come in contact with often.  The people you do life with.  It consist of your family, friends, church family, co-workers, etc.  Have you ever wondered what type of impact you are making upon these lives?  Whether we realize it or not, we are making a lasting impact upon the lives of others.  Friend, God has sovereignly placed you in your family, your job, etc.  Choose today to make an impact upon those in your sphere of influence which will have eternal rewards and benefits not only for you, but for those in your sphere of influence. 

God has graciously provided us with what we need to live a godly life, therefore we have no excuse.  How does your speech and conduct influence those in your sphere of influence?  Do you speak words of encouragement or words of discouragement?  Are those in your sphere of influence able to see that you love the LORD by your actions?  1 Timothy 4:12 – Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and purity.  We never truly know what is in the heart of those we encounter, so take the opportunity to inspire and encourage those in your sphere of influence.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone – Colossians 4:6.  Be gracious and respectful to those in your sphere of influence.  If we choose not to be courteous and kind, we will often destroy future opportunities to share Jesus with those in our sphere of influence. 

Friend, we must strive to bring honor to our Savior and LORD in every aspect and activity of daily living.   Those in our sphere of influence notice.  As a Christian, you and I represent Christ.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him – Colossians 3:17.  Ask yourself, what impression do those in my sphere of influence have of Jesus when they are with me? 

Study about Lot and you will discover he failed to have a positive impact on those in his sphere of influence.  Lot allowed his selfish desires to dictate how he made decisions and how he lived his life.  Lot exposed his family to evil and immorality.  In Genesis 13, when Abram and Lot separated, Lot chose to take his family and live among the cities of the plain near Sodom.  God reveals to us in His word – Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD – Genesis 13:13.  Friend, be very careful what you expose your family to.  God has given us the responsibility to be actively involved in the spiritual health of our families.  Model for your families how to live for Christ and faithfully serve Him. 

Lot failed to have a godly impact on his sons-in-law.  When it was revealed to Lot that the town of Sodom was going to be destroyed he went out to speak with them.  So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters.  He said, “Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!”  But his sons-in-law thought he was joking – Genesis 19:14.  Lot began to blend in with the people of Sodom.  He was no longer a godly witness.  He had no effect on those in his sphere of influence.  Lot allowed his environment to shape him instead of him making a godly influence on his environment and his community.  Search your heart and ask yourself, am I blending in with my environment or am I making a godly impact on my environment and my community? 

Friend, are you sowing godly seeds into your sphere of influence?  Take this time to prayerfully examine your heart to determine what impact you are having on your family, friends, community, church, etc.  Remember, there may be some in your sphere of influence who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus.  Does your live point others to Jesus?

Dear Heavenly Father…..I pray that we that we will live our lives with a conscientious effort to make a godly impact on those in our sphere of influence.  I pray that our words and actions point others to You.  I pray that every word and deed will glorify You, Heavenly Father.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.