Do You Influence?

Do you have influence? In order to answer the question you must first look at the word defined:

influence |ˈinfloŏəns|
noun
the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself : the influence of television violence | I was still under the influence of my parents | their friends are having a bad influence on them.
• the power to shape policy or ensure favorable treatment from someone, esp. through status, contacts, or wealth : the institute has considerable influence with teachers.
• a person or thing with such a capacity or power : Frank was a good influence on her.
• archaic Physics electrical or magnetic induction.

You do indeed have influence. The question is who are you influencing and how? If you are like me and have children you are influencing them for sure. Ever see your child do or say something you wished they hadn't only to realize they learned (were influenced) by you? I have heard it said character is caught not taught. Point being your children are learning and you are influencing them by what you do or say or by what you don't do or say! Convicting I know. Transpose this to the Spiritual realm, how are we influencing? What does that look like and how is it done? What role do we play in influencing, if any, and what does that look like? Check out what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 10:15-18 (NASB)
15 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that asyour faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 16 so as topreach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 17 But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.


Observation:

As Faith grows the area of Influence grows. Paul is looking beyond the borders of Corinth to lands where the Gospel has not been preached where lives have not yet been changed by the power of the Holy Spirit understanding through Christ alone one must be saved. There is a direct correlation between "the influencing and growing and expanding borders" with "faith." Not to be confused both belong to God (influence & faith) but are also each given to us by Him. Lest we should ever think it is us that influence or we are the growers of our faith. It is only Christ in us. We see Paul quickly point back to the Lord "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

Application:

The vision is crisp, it is there. It's secure through Jesus. Through Christ alone we must be saved (Christus Victor). The issue is how to advance in what God is doing. How do we move forward in faith with an intent to grow so that in the growth the number of believers also grow. The growing faith of believers is what God uses to increase influence to areas beyond our borders (more people believe in Jesus confess Him as Lord the Kingdom of God expands and influence grows with it, the light penetrates the darkness). I think back to Hebrews 12 the "cloud of witnesses" as the Kingdom of God expands the story of God's love also expands, the understanding of salvation in Christ also expands, the church does grow (through new believers not through a recycling of Christians) and all boasting belongs to God the Father! May this become our Kingdom cause, may we give our life to nothing short of this. May God be glorified in the sacrifice of this life that He has given each of us to live.

Prayer:

Lord grow our faith, grow the faith of those around us, & grow our churches faith. As this happens, expand the borders and boundries of Your influence. Let Your mission be fulfilled, lives change, and all glory be brought before You our God and King. As borders are extended and Your Kingdom grows and advances may all boasting belong to You our Lord. Amen.