No, that is not a typo in the headline.
I was reminded by my Bible reading this morning that the power to influence lives for God doesn’t rest in our power and words, but instead in God’s power flowing through us for the good of others.
We all know people who know all the right “church” lingo, are experts at church socializing but who rarely — if ever — bring people to church with them or volunteer for a key, lay ministry role.
You’ll recall that Jesus spoke about the need to bear fruit, not just put up lots of branches with lots of leaves. You’ll also recall that it didn’t turn out well for the tree that didn’t bear fruit.
I want to encourage you to examine your life as I examine mine. Are we talking a good line but not walking in the power of God?
Are people seeing God transform us daily into more gracious, more generous, more wholesome people who don’t listen to dirty jokes or to gossip from dirty-hearted people?
Are we telling others that it is the leading of God’s Holy Spirit that is prompting this change in our lives?
Are people seeing us hold up with humility and grace under great stress at work or home?
Are they hearing us credit God with giving us the strength we need to keep serving Him and others, no matter what?
Are our family members and church friends seeing us continually reach out with helping hands to people whom we want to eventually invite to church?
Are family members and friends seeing us make time for a coffee shop meeting or a midweek lunch or a Saturday picnic with unchurched people?
Listen, there is power for influence when we commit ourselves to allowing God’s power to flow through us.
The unsaved or unchurched person can hear us talk about our powerful God OR he/she can see the power of God flowing through us.
Which alternative will have more influence?
The Apostle Paul answers that question in this way:
“For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power” (I Cor. 4:20 NLT)
God will NEVER run out of power. Let’s make sure that we never stop running to Him for the power we need to live, to love, to shine and to share.
Remember that God is able to make all grace abound to us so that in all things, at all times, having all that we need, we will abound in every good work (2 Cor. 9:8).
As always, I love you
Martin
