Jesus Christ is the most influential person who’s ever lived.
Do you agree?
Jesus was obviously the most powerful person who’s ever lived. He had all the power in the universe at His fingertips. He could have forced people to accept Him. A few well-placed lightning bolts would have whipped the non-believers into line in no time.
But that’s not how He chose to operate. Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose to work as He did? Ever wonder why He chose such a long, difficult path?
I do, and I don’t claim to be in possession of a definitive answer. But one thing’s clear.
Jesus chose the path of influence over the exercise of power.
And then He invited us to follow Him. He offered to walk with us on the path of influence.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
We’re called to make disciples without resorting to fear and intimidation that flows from power. So if we’re to satisfy the Great Commission, here’s the question:
Are we people of influence?
Some follow-ups: What constitutes influence? How are we building our influence? How are we spending our influence?
More next time.
Do you think about your personal influence?
Please leave a comment here.
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On a personal note, the New York Yankees clinched their division championship last night. That means we’re one step closer to an official World Series. (In case you didn’t know, an official World Series must include the Yankees.)
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