Influence – Week Two

During a brief encounter in Cuba, Gardenia challenged me to talk to God as a friend and trust Him without reserve. 

I learned about deep faith, Spirit-led prayer, and boldness when I observed Stephen’s leadership in Mexico.

The few days I spent with a team of pastors in the Philippines taught me about sacrificial love and endurance.

Working for a few months with Allison gave me an example of holding my tongue and speaking graciously. 

The people who have influenced my life and helped me grow closer to God are numerous and certainly too long a list to recount here. But I can summarize one thing they each have in common – their lives match their influence. In other words, the ones who taught me strength were strong, the ones who taught me grace were gracious, the ones who taught me faith were faithful. 

In Psalm 71, a man reflects on his earnest desire to declare God’s deeds to the next generation. His entire life has been building to this point. From his earliest days to the present moment, this man has remained dedicated to God. Talk about an influence for good! He has sowed a lifetime of faithfulness, and now he has a message to proclaim – not only in words but in reality.

Here are few things we learn about this man:

• God is his refuge (vs. 1)
• When he is in trouble, he cries out to God and believes God will hear him (vs. 2)
• God is not only his rock in hard times but a place of habitation where he lives continually (vs. 3)
• He has been confident in God since childhood (vs. 5)
• He gives God credit for every good thing from his first breath until now (vs. 6)
• He praises God constantly (vs. 6) 

As a result of deep abiding trust in God, this man is recognized by others. Listen to how he puts it, “I have become a marvel to many, for you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your glory all day long.” (Psalm 71:7-8 NASB)

The Hebrew word marvel here means sign, wonder, or special display of God’s power. This man’s life supernaturally points to God.

The gospel of Matthew tells us about a young man who was living very differently from our friend in Psalm 71. This gentleman was wealthy and wanted to know what good thing he could do to ensure eternal life. Instead of living for God, he attempted to buy God’s favor. Instead of building character, he was looking for a free ride. 

Jesus quickly told him the way to God was following God’s commands. There is no quick pass or one-time ultra good deed. Instead, Jesus challenged him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21)

The young man’s encounter with Jesus ends with this sad notation, “But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.” (Matthew 19:22) While he was accomplished in the sight of the world, he was far from God. 

Stop for a moment a reflect on your life. 

How would you describe yourself? Which of these men are you more like? When people observe you, do they “marvel” at God’s goodness, or are they impressed by your accomplishments?

It can be easy to go through life full speed ahead and lose sight of what matters. Often we think we are making a difference, but we forget the most important thing. 

True life does not come from an abundance of possessions, an impressive career, or stellar performance. True life comes from God. Only a life centered on Him is worth emulating. And isn’t that the path we truly want to point others toward?