Impacting Others

As the pace of life continues to accelerate with each passing day, it's easy for us to forget how important are our actions. Our actions, and interactions, have a great impact on those around us, whether we recognize it or not. The truth is our effect on others is an ever present reality. We either influence others in a positive way or a negative way. We may not think about it very often, but the things we say and do either draw others closer to God, or push them away from Him.

As followers of Jesus, we ought always to seek to have a positive impact on others. Sadly, we fail to see how important the things we say and do are in relation to our influence on others. Small things can have a big impact when they are added together. We may believe that our actions and impact are insignificant, of no consequence. But even small acts can greatly impact the lives of other people. Simple, kind actions provide opportunities for us to share the love of God with others. As a matter of fact, through simple acts of kindness we can share with others God's glory, grace, love and mercy.

We need to clothe ourselves with a Christ-like spirit.

In Colossians 3:12, the Apostle Paul said, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…" Some versions say, "...clothe yourselves..." Essentially, as we dress ourselves physically for the day, we ought to dress ourselves spiritually with these Christ-like characteristics. When we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience our actions and Christ-like reactions will stand out. Showing these Christ-like qualities will help others to be drawn to the glory, grace, love and mercy of God.

We need to be salt and light.

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16). We are called to be salt and light, to have an impact on others, so that God will be glorified. Our actions and interactions from day-to-day will have a great impact. The question is, will it be positive or negative?

We need to remember small actions have a big impact.

Even the smallest actions can have a big impact when they are added together. Sometimes, we feel that our actions, our impact are of no consequence, even insignificant. But the reality is we can have the greatest of influence on others by even the smallest of gestures. Think about even the simplest of actions: a smile, a kind reply, a compliment, a phone call, a text message. These actions seem insignificant. But these actions can have a great impact on the recipient.

Our actions, our simple acts of kindness, can be infectious. Amelia Earhart said, "A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." Even the actions we feel are insignificant can throw out roots in all directions, encouraging kindness to spring up in places we never expected. We need to give great thought to our actions and the impact they have on others. I want to challenge you to think of ways you can show small acts of kindness and glorify God. How can you "Be the Good" and glorify God?