On Influence

How would you measure a successful life? One of the most rewarding gifts I could ever receive would be to become a man of influence and example. To have a legacy that inspires others to a higher calling. However, conscious influence is prideful and unchristian. If I am constantly wondering and asking if I’m being used by God in a way that emphasizes the perspective of Man, then I am losing the freshness of the touch of the Lord.

“He who believes in Me…out of his heart will flow rivers of living water”  John 7:38

If I am always stopping to examine my outflow, it becomes natural to stop focusing on the source. If I’m focused on the fruit, you forget to take care of the root. 

When I think of the people who influence me the most, they’re the humble ones with natural magnetism who operate without the slightest hint of manipulation or control. I am drawn to them for who they are, not because of positional authority or that I feel I need to follow them. In the Christian life, godly influence is never conscious of itself. If we are conscious of our influence, it ceases to have the genuine loveliness of the touch of Jesus Christ. The more I say, “Less of me and more of YOU”, my natural sinful self subsides to the power of the Holy Spirit working through me.