There are many people in many workplaces who are collecting paychecks today, in part, because of the outstanding performance of one person in the department or out on the sales route.
In a very real sense, the value of that one person’s efforts to serve and impress the company owner(s) prompted them to not discard the department or division or branch operation.
Was it only because of profits generated?
Many times not, I’m sure.
The owner(s)’ affinity for one person benefited many. Perhaps you’re that person at your workplace.
The world needs more intercessors who gain influence with those in authority and it leads to blessing for others.
Listen to this passage from Acts 27 and you’ll see how the Apostle Paul’s caring integrity and life wisdom led to a close relationship with the Roman commander transporting him to Rome for trial, and that relationship served to save the lives of hundreds during a terrible storm.
“The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape. But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan.” Acts 27:42-43
You’ll need to read all of Acts 27 to get a clearer picture of the context, but Paul had clearly built a strong bridge of influence with the commanding officer during the many weeks they had been together before the event of vv. 42-43.
The officer had to have heard Paul’s rich wisdom about people, about the ocean, about sailing and certainly about religion.
Who knows how many times Paul and the officer had talked about matters of faith, even if the officer apparently didn’t embrace Christianity?
The officer in charge cared for Paul and that relationship benefited many.
No, you and I won’t influence every company owner, every job supervisor, every coach or every teacher or every parent into becoming Christians.
But we can influence them in ways that leads to a closer relationship with them, one that just might lead to the benefit of many who keep their paychecks or who avoid brutal workouts or extra homework or miserable tension around the house.
Please do the absolute best you can — always — for your employer, your teacher, your coach or your parent. Explain that you appreciate that person and want to give your best because that’s what Christians are to do — serve others.
Plant seeds of faith in wise, humble ways.
The day just might come when the bridge of influence you’ve built will be the bridge of vocational or relational deliverance for others as well.
As always, I love you
Martin
