
Have you ever thought about the influence that Jesus had? He was born in a small town in an occupied country. His family was not wealthy and had no elevated social standing. He only had a ministry for three years, and yet He had more influence on the world than anyone who ever lived.
We know that He was the Son of God and taught truths that went counter to the world He lived in. We know that He performed miracles and attracted thousands who came to hear Him and be touched by Him. He was The Ultimate Influencer and yet, he had no social media footprint. He did not have a cell phone and was not on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
What He did have was right priorities. He knew that in order to influence others, He must spend quality time with the Father. We read in Scripture that He would go out to a lonely place to pray. There, He learned the Father’s will, heard the Father’s words and was filled and empowered by the Spirit of God.
He did not seek the attention of the crowds. He chose twelve men whom He could pour His life into and spent three years living with them and teaching them. He was not interested in the number of His followers because He knew what was in men’s hearts. He knew they were fickle and would follow Him one day and be gone the next.
There’s a lesson here for those of us that wish to influence others towards a deeper relationship with Christ. We must do as He did. We must spend time, real time with the Father, and learn His will through reading His word. We must not focus on the number of followers we have but choose to invest our time, energy and words with those who are really interested in going deeper with Christ. Followers, as Jesus knew, will eventually come and go. We must follow His example and seek to do the will of God, in the power of God, for the purposes of God, in order to have real meaningful influence in the world.
Photo by Dorothee’ Quennesson. Courtesy of Pixabay
Loved this post, Valerie!! Hard to fathom the impact Jesus had during His time on Earth (traveling mostly on foot!!) all through the ages to today!! I can’t wait to meet Him, to talk face-to-face, and thank Him for all He did for me, for my family, for the whole world!!! Thank you, Jesus!! 🙂
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Amen!!! Yes, He didn’t own an auto either! Or a van to take his disciples around in!
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Wonderful reflection! Thanks for putting it all into perspective!!
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Thankful it spoke to you!
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This post reminds me so much of the sermons my dad preached.
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I’ll take that as a compliment! Have you done a post on him?
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I was JUST reading Mark today and noting how often Jesus retreated to pray! Me-thinks God is telling me something… LOL
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Me too!
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Amen. Thank you for this reflection. We need to be careful to be listening hard to God and doing and saying as He does and says, just like Jesus. That’s all that will count.
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Absolutely! Thanks for the input!!!
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
BUT EVERYBODY HEARD HIS MESSAGE!
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Thanks for the reblog! Hope you and Diana are well!
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Doing okay, Val. doing okay
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So glad to hear it!
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YOU BLESS OUR SOCKS OFF!
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Amen!
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Amen Val! We here in Nashville went without a server over the Christmas weekend due to the explosion and I have to say it was a treat. The quiet was wonderful. It felt like God was giving us a “hall pass” on the noise that keeps us from Him. We said a family rosary and played a long game of monopoly. It was great.
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So glad you are all safe! God was definitely looking out for Nashville this weekend! I needed the quiet also after Christmas….sometimes it is just good for the soul! Love you, Meg! Have a great New Year! 💖
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Love you too Val! May it be the best yet! 💛🎉
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