7 Look at what is before your eyes. ...13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. 15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence. 17 “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. (1 Corinthians 10: 7a, 13-18, ESV)
Influence. It is interesting to me that some believers think that influence is just a secular word. Leadership is all about influence. In fact, my definition of leadership is that it is "visionary influence" (see Women Leading Women book). Living your life in such as way that others see Jesus and are influenced to know Him is what the Christian life is about.
In this passage in 1 Corinthians 10, we see that we are to look at what is before us. Who is right in front of us? What are they struggling with? How can we make a difference and reach out to them? We are to live our lives in a purposeful way in order to reach and influence others for Christ.
As I was serving at the preschool desk at church yesterday, I met many who needed someone to reach out and give a smile, a direction, and connect them to someone. People come as guests and need to connect. Sometimes I get to share the whole gospel, other times I connect them with different ministries. It is such a blessing to just be available.
As the Lord sends you on your way, look to see who is placed in your pathway. Stop and see how you can be of influence to help them to connect with Christ. We don't always see the connections but we know that God is using us. Don't waste your day, go and make a difference!
