Choosing How We Influence
Choosing How We Influence
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As I hear of families all around the world grappling with the effects of the global pandemic, I consider those that have gone before us. There are the Apostles who lived in the center of violence and political injustice. I think of the many affected by wars and plagues over the years. What was their stabilizing force? Faith in the one who loved us deeply. The Creator of the universe. The Alpha and Omega. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
There are some nuggets for us today. Our words and actions influence our environment and those around us.
Life today can be tough. There are many trying to make ends meet or a house filled with people, young and old, tired of staying “sheltered in place.” There are those whose small businesses temporarily closed, but will they open? Those with illnesses, not just COVID 19, and are struggling to heal. Those that are facing an illness that the cure feels harder than the disease, but it’s not.
We have a choice to become stronger and better because of the challenge or weaker, bitter, and overcome by the circumstance and fear.
James 1:2 tells us to count it all joy when facing trials. Some days that is can be hard.
It all is in how we face the trials and challenges: grateful or grumpy, faith-filled, or half-hearted, with joy or resentment. Can we influence others by our responses to our day’s challenges?
We can choose love, joy, forgiveness, and gratitude to be the foundation of our day. But, we must be intentional about our attitude and actions. Let’s start with the underlying foundation, which is LOVE.
This is what love looks like; it is patient and kind, it does not envy nor boast, it is not proud, dishonoring, self-seeking, or easily angered. Love does not track wrongs done by others and doesn’t delight in evil but celebrates the truth always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Love never fails! I Corinthians 13 is a spectacular roadmap as to how we are loved and how we can love.
Joy, forgiveness, and gratitude are the how, attitude or manner, in which we love. Some days it is not easy to love, but that is where the choice comes in. Our choice will determine if we become better or bitter. Our choice enables us to see past our challenges to the struggles of those around us, neighbors, co-workers, friends, and even those who sometimes can be a bit prickly.
Jesus took love to the cross. The choice wasn’t always easy. It is often extremely challenging and hard to understand His commitment to love, the lovable and unlovable alike. But He did.
It is in gratitude that we find hope; in forgiveness, love begins to grow; when we love with deep joy, we grow and allow growth in others.
This is a rich and fulfilling life. Life is vibrant amid high hurdles and difficult battles. But, it is in those struggles that we grow. We find out how to love and lead others by our love amid pain and turmoil. As we share our experience, strength, and hope, we bring life to others and ourselves. We can’t solve someone’s problems, but we can walk alongside them. We can be a living example of Love. But, this again is a choice.
When serving others, the way Jesus did becomes our life goal; we can bring hope in perhaps a dark place. We can lift others with words of encouragement and love. We can forgive those with which we have disagreed, helping both to be better rather than bitter. We can give of our time, treasure, and talent to those who need support.
We will be ok. We will get through the challenges that face our countries and our individual lives.
When joy, forgiveness, and gratitude, drive the way we love, the texture of our lives will be spectacular! Our influence may be subtle; it may be barely noticeable, or it may be life changing, but our lives will be vibrant, fulfilling, and a life-changing journey for the most ardent adventurer!
