By Brad Harrub, Ph.D and Jim Palmer
“You don’t have to be a ‘person of influence’ to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me.” – Scott Adams (American cartoonist)
We never know precisely when the moment is going to take place. It might be an invitation to a gospel meeting tossed out in the midst of conversation around the office lunch table. Or it might be 15 seconds during a phone call in which godly advice is offered. Or it could take place in a dorm room on a college campus during a late night study session. For many, the moment occurs over days and weeks during a courtship, in which New Testament Christianity is revealed by the actions and words of a boyfriend or girlfriend. But the fact is most individuals are introduced to Christianity by coworkers, friends, or family members. Influence is an imprint we leave, an impression we make, an effect we have on another. Make no mistake, not one of us “lives to himself, or dies to himself” (Romans 14:7). From prominent occupations such as physicians, lawyers, politicians, or entertainers to the most humble cashier, street-sweeper or waitress, we all exert influence—for good or evil—on other people. Like relentless farmers, we continuously plant little seeds in the hearts and minds of those with whom we come in contact. Unfortunately, most people are so busy in their day-to-day lives that they give little thought to the influence they have on those around them. We walk into banks or gas stations and carry out our transactions without even opening our mouths. We pull into the driveway, waving to neighbors, but we never really truly get to know them. Oftentimes, we forget that even during our busy day-to-day activities we are still planting seeds of influence—maybe not the influence we intended, but influence nonetheless. Paul reminded the church at Galatia that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9).
This issue of Think explores the power of influence. Sadly, most people today believe that you must be a politician or Hollywood star to influence others. They don’t give a second thought to just how much they—ordinary individuals—can influence others for good. We want to remind readers of the power of their influence. A single individual can make a huge difference. We encourage you to not only remember this, but to determine within yourself to be that individual. It is our prayer that the words you read on the following pages will have a strong, positive influence on each one who reads them.
Truthfully, the power of influence places a big responsibility on Christians. Just as we can use our influence for good, we can also influence people for bad (one sinner destroys much good, Ecclesiastes 9:18b). Is your influence strengthening or weakening the cause for Christ? Consider how many people are walking around in the world, so very thankful for that one person who introduced them to the Truth. Wendell Winkler, a faithful Gospel preacher, teacher, and author, once wrote: “The only hope of America is found in the people who are genuine New Testament Christians, and in the wholesome influence they exert.” According to Proverbs 14:34, it is “righteousness” that, in fact, exalts a nation. Will you be that one person, that one influence for good that those around you today need to move toward paths of righteousness?
Let us all remember the words of Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Think on these things…
