This is the first in a series of posts about the book I’m currently reading, Chasing Daylight, by Erwin McManus. Today’s post deals with chapter four in the book: Influence - Breathe In, Breathe Out.
Something I’ve been struggling with for a long time is the image that I convey to others around me. My influence on others. As a Christian, I don’t want to display a perfect, holier-than-thou image, and make others think I’m better. At the same time, I want people to see a reflection of Christ in me that will make them want what I have been given. In the recent past, it seems I fail miserably at being a positive influence on people.
I’m lucky to have a job where my boss is a Christian. It’s a small business that employs five others besides myself. Of this group, my boss and myself are the only Christians. Seems like a perfect opportunity to be a positive influence on others, right? That is my goal every day. Once the day begins, and the hustle and bustle sinks in, it becomes more difficult for me to put on that positive face. On busy days, I can be stressed trying to make sure everything gets done, so I’m short on patience. Two employees in particular test my patience every day with constant questions and interruptions. It’s taken me a while to realize that God has put these people in my path to show them Christ. Under normal human conditions, it’s easy to be short with them, answering their question as quick as possible so they’ll leave me alone!
McManus says we were created to influence and be influenced. Our faith is not to be individualistic. It should affect others as well. Influence travels through relationships - it is contagious and spreads quickly through human contact. Our influence and character are closely related. Through our influence, we show our character and pass on attitudes, values and other virtues. Having a right relationship with God results in having a right relationship with others. And this where my problem lies.
Do I have a right relationship with God, if I’m impatient with others? First Corinthians tells us that love is patient and kind. So this is where I learn to deal with this problem. As God has shown me time and again, the key to being the type of person He wants me to be is to be in Scripture every day, praying every day, and growing in my faith every day.
When I’m dealing with these two employees, McManus says that we must realize that what may look like an inconvenience might be no less than the beginning of a life-changing moment. We should never underestimate the power of one word, one action or one deed. We are vessels of good that can be used to generate good.
Finally, who has been an influence in your life? I can name several. But, it’s easy to forget about the one person in history who was the greatest person of influence. God’s one and only son has the power to transform lives through His influence. Jesus did this by bringing people close. Take the disciples for example. In order to be an influence, we need to bring people close to us, and let them in our lives. I hope this post is as good for you to read as it has been for me to write (type?). Thanks to Erwin McManus for his book, and to God for giving me the grace to forgive in the times when I’m not a good influence to those around me.
