Ripples of Influence

Every day each one of us, whether we like it or not, whether we are aware of it or not, is influencing others for good or for bad. Who knows the effect a smile, a thank you, a listening ear, an encouraging word, or a humble example may have on another person today!

J R Miller writes: There have been meetings of only a moment which have left impressions for life, for eternity. No one can understand that mysterious thing called influence...yet...everyone of us continually exerts influence, either to heal, to bless, to leave marks of beauty; or to wound, to hurt, to poison, to stain other lives.

How did you wake up this morning? Did your mood affect others positively or negatively? If you’re sharing a living space with others then it is not only your behaviour but also your attitude and demeanour will affect and influence them.

‘Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another’ wrote George Elliot.

As much as people refuse to believe it, the company you keep does have an impact and influence on your choices. The people you surround yourself with will influence to some degree your behaviour. So we must choose our friends wisely!

Who has had the greatest influence on you? Parents? Teachers? Friends? Inspirational leaders? Our Partners? I thank God for my parents [not all of us can say that] for the integrity of their faith in Jesus that was worked out in the rough and tumble of daily life. Going for a family walk, throwing sticks for our dog to chase, Mum would audibly marvel at how nature was crammed full with the colour and genius of God, the Creator. Their genuine love for Jesus and His church influenced me deeply.

When your read through this well-known poem by Dorothy Nolte it strikes you again how we influence others around us

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence

If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate

If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith

If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world

It is like we, who love Jesus, are pebbles being dropped into the pool where we live. We create ripples as we impact the water of our world. The ripple begins with us and God, then surges out to our near family and neighbours, on into our work-places and communities.

The more we are close to Him the greater the impact on our world. How our Father in heaven wants us to create ripples of godly influence on those around us.

Jesus said: You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.           Matt 5: 14-16

One pebble will make an impact – influence for good. But together we, His people, can make an even bigger splash as we support one another in growing a healthy church to honour him

and reach out with the gospel to our community.

Hey, let’s love one another like Jesus told us to and together make waves!