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“Likewise, good works are obvious and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.” I Timothy 5:25 (HCSB)

Never been a fan of “I” conversations. You know where a whole list of what “I” did leaves very little room for anyone else to breathe a word. Especially when it comes to a roll call of all the good the “I” did. Slips in ever so carelessly and often without intent. Now don’t get me wrong –sharing our right choices and behaviors in a sense of humility is a good thing. When we focus others on God’s mighty strength working through us to do what we know we can’t – that’s powerful. But when we are the ones drawing attention to all our good, we’re standing on a slippery edge about to plummet into pride.

Don’t you just love the way some people shine without even noticing it themselves? Kindness and mercy clothe their actions. Others, not themselves, become the center of uplifting conversation. Genuine love and grace motivates their responses. And their good deeds done unnoticed rise up to the surface bringing glory to God. They don’t need to draw attention to self because their motive is to honor Him.

Our world would herald them as unsung heroes or good Samaritans; Jesus simply calls them followers. Those who choose to walk in His footsteps – full of humility – serving without notice. They stay late when others have walked out. They quietly pay a family’s meal when struggle seems apparent. They notice a need and cover it behind the scenes. They listen intently and don’t wait for an invitation to help. Simply Jesus followers – more concerned about changing their world – than making a name for self.

“Sweet Jesus rid us of the desire to showcase our perceived good. Keep us far away from the edge of pride and remind us to glorify Your name in all that we do.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

“But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go wash and be cured!’” 2 Kings 5:13

Almost fifty billion dollars a year is spent on influencers! (Amra & Elma). There must be a really great reason companies are willing to invest in those who will encourage people to use or buy their product. What’s the reason? It works! Companies have seen tremendous results in their profits by hiring influencers.

What is an influencer? According to Webster it is someone with the ‘capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.’  People are readily paying a lot of money for someone to ‘have an effect on’ who we are, what we believe, and our behavior.

Think about last week. Have you eaten something different (more protein, perhaps?!), tried a new coffee or restaurant, bought something because you heard it would improve your life, or visited a new spot because of what you saw on Instagram? Have you changed any decisions because of what someone said or thought-whether in person or online?

What did you come up with? Take a moment to reflect on who is influencing your life.

In 2 Kings we meet a man named Naaman, who was a high-ranking military officer and was well respected by the king he served, Aram. He was a leader and had power. He also had leprosy.

Through a servant girl he was told about the prophet, Elisha. When Naaman went to meet Elisha, Elisha’s assistant met Naaman and told him to go wash in the river seven times.

Naaman was so angry that he had traveled so far and that an assistant was sent to meet him and not Elisha himself. He was ready to leave and be done with the whole thing. It was his officers, those of lower rank than Naaman, that influenced him by saying, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go wash and be cured!’”

Naaman listened to them, and he did go to the Jordan River. He  dipped himself in seven times and his leprosy was gone. Not only was he healed physically, but he went back to Elisha and declared he would only worship the Lord God. He was healed spiritually.

Imagine if those officers had thought they had no influence over him or they had no right to say anything. Naaman would have suffered physically, but also for eternity.

Imagine if that servant girl would have never even mentioned Elisha to her master’s wife. The influence of a little girl began the whole chain of events to lead an officer of an enemy king to meet God!

Just as Naaman’s officers saw the need, knew the power of the prophet, and wanted healing for their boss, we can influence others to follow Christ through the everyday, ordinary opportunities that come our way.

This is why we always need to be sure we are walking closely with the Lord, talking with Him and spending time in His Word, so that our influence is of Him, not of ourselves.

We are all influencers. The question is, do we influence to make His name great?

“Father, help us to be walking so closely with you that we influence others to see You clearly.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson (www.TerrieTollerson.com)
TRBC Women’s Life