How many of us have thought about having influence within our church? Maybe we
assumed that responsibility was just for the pastors and other leaders, which naturally
they do carry a lot, but the truth is we can (and should) all be influential.
The definition of influence is, “the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or
intangible ways”.
So just by your being present, whether it be on a Sunday morning, at small group or
other function, the attitude and heart we have as we approach each gathering will affect
others in either a positive or negative way. Obviously, as Upward Men, we want to be a
positive, Godly influence to those around us.
The apostle Paul gives us some great guidance on this in Romans 12.
He starts by exhorting us to be a “living sacrifice” and to “not be conformed to this world”
but “be transformed by the renewing of our minds”
Then he goes on to how to walk as a Christian and that we are all “members of one
body in Christ”. He says, “let love be without hypocrisy”. “Be kindly affectionate to one
another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, not lagging in
diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation,
continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to
hospitality”.
In Galatians 5:25 he says “if we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit”. And then
immediately following that in verse 26 he instructs us on what not to do…“Let us not
become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another”. That of course would
be walking in the flesh and destructive.
In Ephesians chapters 4 and 5, we’re instructed to “walk worthy of the calling with which
we were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one
another in love”, and to “therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love
as Christ also has loved us and given himself for us…”
In John 17 Jesus prayed for the unity of His people…vs 21, “that they all may be one…”
Now, none of this possible for us to do without submitting ourselves to the
transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As Jesus said “without Him we can
do nothing”. How true that is. Thank you, Jesus, for the work you’re doing in each of us!
So as we reflect on these verses, let’s do some self-examination. Are we daily
surrendering our hearts and lives to Him, and allowing Him to change and transform us
more and more into His image? He’s pursuing us…are we pursuing Him?
Are we learning to walk in the Spirit and therefore the fruit of the Spirit is becoming more
evident in us? (Love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.)
As Upward Men, our influence in the church will come from the place of humility and
submission to the work of the Spirit in us. Let’s embrace His work and be expectant as
to what He will do!
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