The Power of Influence
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.
While leaving out names, I think you’ve put too much into this post for anonymity purposes. You may want to edit it some before these “annoying” people at work come and read this.
Justin Evilsizor
7 Aug 07 at 6:00 pm
This is a very well-written blog about issues that we all, as Christians, likely experience every day. What we don’t realize is that we may be the only “Jesus” someone sees.
Justin, the 2 in question can’t send an email, much less access the internet or even know what a blog is.
Dwayne
8 Aug 07 at 4:29 am
Hate to say it, but I don’t think you need to be judging who is a Christian and who isn’t. God is the only one who can make that call. When standing in front of God on judgement day, I hope and pray that we all are welcomed in to heaven, even the ones who can’t send an email much less access the internet or even know what a blog is. Maybe you “Christian computer wizards could teach the less fortunate how to be a Christian and use the computer. (Sorry if I sound a little sour - I don’t like to be judged or have my intelligence questioned)
Teresa K
8 Aug 07 at 5:48 am
Hey Teresa,
I don’t think anyone is judging people’s Christianity by whether or not they can use a computer. Dwayne was just pointing out that the two people I mentioned in my post will likely not read this (in response to Justin’s comment).
Sorry for any confusion. The main point of this post is how I can be a better positive influence on my co-workers that may or may not be Christians.
Andrew
8 Aug 07 at 6:32 am
I’m surprised by Teresa’s reaction. I don’t think you are questioning anyone’s intelligence and certainly you know that Christianity and computer-ability have nothing to do with one another. She is right, though, that is not for us to judge, but when someone openly admits they are not a Christian, there is no need to judge, it becomes fact.
Dwayne
8 Aug 07 at 7:18 am
I have to say that I think you are on the right track with how you need to be a better influence. You’re right…this post is about you, not about those who are not Christian. And Dwayne is right…when someone says they are not Christian then they are not. You can have warm fuzzy feelings about God, think of Him often, and even pray to Him in your time of need, but, honestly, if you don’t believe that His Son came to this earth, was crucified, buried, died and then rose again all for saving us from ourselves, then you are not a Christian. Period. I think it’s interesting how people don’t want to be labeled as Christian, yet get so offended when others take that as fact that they are not. Why be upset? I’m not judging, I’m simply listening to what you have said and taking it at face value.
It’s hard for us to look at ourselves and see our sin. But that is what God is asking us to do. I’m glad that you are learning more about being a follower of Christ AND putting it into practice. It’s sometimes really hard to do, but totally worth it! I’ll be praying for ya!
Cari
13 Aug 07 at 7:24 am