By Phillip Johnson
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote the following, “Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can.” Have you ever considered that you can be that somebody? You have the ability to influence the lives of other people for good! You have the power to make a difference! I look at the world and see a place I can influence for good, and I get up each morning with the desire to accomplish this. I want to make a difference in the lives of others. This belief is at the heart of my faith, goals, and life. You and I have the potential to make a difference. Take a look at the world around us. We have numerous examples of individuals influencing other people. Take a walk with me to the past, and let’s examine some individuals who made a difference.
History teaches us the impact that one person can make on this world. Is it possible to measure the influence that Winston Churchill had on Great Britain during World War II? Have you ever considered where our nation would be minus the influence of Abraham Lincoln? Can we put into words the impact Martin Luther King Jr. had on race relations and civil rights in America? Can we quantify the difference women such as Eleanor Roosevelt have made throughout time? History has demonstrated time and time again that one person can make a difference.
I have also learned this powerful lesson through sports. My childhood is overflowing with memories of athletes leading their teams to championships. I still picture Earvin “Magic” Johnson dribbling the ball up the court on a fast break, whipping a no-look pass to James Worthy for a thunderous dunk. I vividly see Joe Montana breaking my heart as he finds Dwight Clark in the back of the end zone for a touchdown leading the 49ers to a victory over my beloved Cowboys. One of the most popular athletes of all time is Michael Jordan. Jordan performed feats on the court that were breathtaking. I followed his career from North Carolina to the last of his six championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan continually elevated the play of an entire team. These athletes along with Sue Bird, Larry Bird, Derek Jeter, Lisa Fernandez, Roger Staubach, and Cheryl Miller have proven one person can make a difference.
The Bible also demonstrates the impact one person can make on other people. We have many examples such as Daniel and Joseph. The Bible describes Noah as a righteous man living in a wicked world. The world in which Noah lived in was extremely wicked; God looked down on His creation and was grieved that He created humanity. In the midst of this darkness, Noah stands out as an example of faith and righteousness. Noah’s life influenced his family and all future generations to come. Noah made a difference. Daniel is another man who made a difference. The story of Daniel concludes with an entire nation respecting and fearing God. This didn’t happen by accident but because Daniel stayed faithful to God through good times and bad.
Now make this list more personal. Who are the people who have influenced your life? Perhaps you are thinking of your mom and your dad. Maybe, a coach or teacher impacted your life in a great way. Your life has been blessed by the positive influence of others. The challenge is for us to return the favor to others.
Your influence starts with your family. I want you to consider the influence that you have within your family. Husbands and wives impact each other in ways that nobody else can. Moms and dads have influence on their children unmatched by anyone else. Don’t ever underestimate the power of your influence. You have the ability to influence your family throughout eternity.
God understands the power of individual influence. Joseph saved his family, Joshua led a vast nation, and the Apostles turned the world upside down! God knows the influence you can have on your family. I began this article with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. I’ll end it with a quote from God in Proverbs 22:6. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Imagine the influence you will have on your children if you live these words in your life. Parents…you have the ability to make a difference in the lives of your children. I encourage you to open up God’s Word with your family on a daily basis and get started!
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote the following, “Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can.” Have you ever considered that you can be that somebody? You have the ability to influence the lives of other people for good! You have the power to make a difference! I look at the world and see a place I can influence for good, and I get up each morning with the desire to accomplish this. I want to make a difference in the lives of others. This belief is at the heart of my faith, goals, and life. You and I have the potential to make a difference. Take a look at the world around us. We have numerous examples of individuals influencing other people. Take a walk with me to the past, and let’s examine some individuals who made a difference.
History teaches us the impact that one person can make on this world. Is it possible to measure the influence that Winston Churchill had on Great Britain during World War II? Have you ever considered where our nation would be minus the influence of Abraham Lincoln? Can we put into words the impact Martin Luther King Jr. had on race relations and civil rights in America? Can we quantify the difference women such as Eleanor Roosevelt have made throughout time? History has demonstrated time and time again that one person can make a difference.
I have also learned this powerful lesson through sports. My childhood is overflowing with memories of athletes leading their teams to championships. I still picture Earvin “Magic” Johnson dribbling the ball up the court on a fast break, whipping a no-look pass to James Worthy for a thunderous dunk. I vividly see Joe Montana breaking my heart as he finds Dwight Clark in the back of the end zone for a touchdown leading the 49ers to a victory over my beloved Cowboys. One of the most popular athletes of all time is Michael Jordan. Jordan performed feats on the court that were breathtaking. I followed his career from North Carolina to the last of his six championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan continually elevated the play of an entire team. These athletes along with Sue Bird, Larry Bird, Derek Jeter, Lisa Fernandez, Roger Staubach, and Cheryl Miller have proven one person can make a difference.
The Bible also demonstrates the impact one person can make on other people. We have many examples such as Daniel and Joseph. The Bible describes Noah as a righteous man living in a wicked world. The world in which Noah lived in was extremely wicked; God looked down on His creation and was grieved that He created humanity. In the midst of this darkness, Noah stands out as an example of faith and righteousness. Noah’s life influenced his family and all future generations to come. Noah made a difference. Daniel is another man who made a difference. The story of Daniel concludes with an entire nation respecting and fearing God. This didn’t happen by accident but because Daniel stayed faithful to God through good times and bad.
Now make this list more personal. Who are the people who have influenced your life? Perhaps you are thinking of your mom and your dad. Maybe, a coach or teacher impacted your life in a great way. Your life has been blessed by the positive influence of others. The challenge is for us to return the favor to others.
Your influence starts with your family. I want you to consider the influence that you have within your family. Husbands and wives impact each other in ways that nobody else can. Moms and dads have influence on their children unmatched by anyone else. Don’t ever underestimate the power of your influence. You have the ability to influence your family throughout eternity.
God understands the power of individual influence. Joseph saved his family, Joshua led a vast nation, and the Apostles turned the world upside down! God knows the influence you can have on your family. I began this article with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. I’ll end it with a quote from God in Proverbs 22:6. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Imagine the influence you will have on your children if you live these words in your life. Parents…you have the ability to make a difference in the lives of your children. I encourage you to open up God’s Word with your family on a daily basis and get started!
