Influencing Lives For Christ

As Christians, we influence the lives of more people than we realize. Just stop and think for a moment all of the people we have known in our lifetime. Think of all of the clerks who have rung up and bagged our groceries at the supermarket; the mechanics who have serviced our automobiles; the strangers with whom we have struck up a casual conversation while watching a football game, or waiting for a flight at the airport, or standing in line at the bank. Could we even reasonably estimate how many people would be on that list of contacts?

As Christians, we make an indelible mark on the lives of numerous people every day, often without even realizing that we have done so. We may not even recall interacting with some of the folks we come in contact with, but they will well remember us — whether favorably or unfavorably — depending upon the nature of that interaction. Most importantly, what do these interactions tell the world about Jesus Christ? What kind of portrait do we paint of our Lord and Savior with our words, our behavior, and our attitudes — even in those situations where we don’t know the people around us and may not ever expect to see them again?

Jesus often used casual contacts as stepping stones to more meaningful conversations. For example, the woman at Jacob’s well (John 4), the man born blind (John 9), and Zacchaeus (Luke 19). Then there is the apostle Paul and his interaction with the Philippian jailer in Acts 16.

How many seemingly insignificant connections do we make in the world around us that might turn into opportunities for the gospel — if we conduct ourselves in a Christ-like manner?

Beloved, let us indeed “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5), for we never know who we are influencing for the cause of Christ. Wherever we go, whomever we meet, and in whatever circumstance we find ourselves, always remember that we are the “light of the world” — our lives giving glory to God (Matthew 5:14-16).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets