INFLUENCE!

“Blessed [happy] is the people whose God is the Lord” - Psalm 33:12

In the sixth game of the 1998 NBA Finals, between the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls, Scottie Pippen was suffering great pain in his lower back as a result of taking charges in game 3. The Bulls medical staff worked on Pippen during halftime so he felt well enough to start the second half. Michael Jordan commented about Pippen, “We knew Scottie was hurting, and just his presence gave us a lift, offensively, defensively and emotionally.” What a testimony of one players’ influence on his team. Of course, the Bulls won the game and the 1998 NBA Title.

Often we Christians do not realize the great influence we have over people. Our attitudes, our expressions, our Christlike spirit affects everyone we meet. We owe them our best and that, in its highest sense, can only be when Christ is Lord of our lives.

Nothing is so attractive as real joy. A joyful heart, a radiant face, our presence is like sunshine on a cloudy day. Christian joy from the Holy Spirit in our hearts is deep and permanent. It creates a spiritual glow, which, without words, speaks of Christ to others.

1.      How has the Lord use you, today, to touch someone’s life?

2.      Do you ask the Lord to show you those people around that need a lift?

3.      If, no . . . why not?

“Lord, I know there are those around me every day that have needs. Help me have the courage to influence them for You. In Jesus name, Amen.”