Making an Impact

“For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so we need not to speak anything”  (1 Thessalonians 1:8)

In Paul’s first letter to his brothers and sisters in Christ in Thessalonica we see where he encourages his converts to keep on sharing of themselves the hope that is in them.

Paul’s evangelistic work with the Thessalonians, although cut short, made a lasting impact.  This impact was not only on those Paul taught, but also on those around them.  This should encourage us to realize that we have impact (for good or bad) on those around us.  One contact with one person could potentially be life changing for him/her.  Who knows what that person might do for the Lord!  Our influence, for good or bad, has the potential to reach far more people than we can imagine (Consider how one small stone causes ripples on a pond…). 

It’s humbling to grasp that we may be the only Bible some ever read.  What are we saying or not saying?  Doing or not doing?  How we live our life speaks volumes about what we really believe!  What does our witness say about us?  What do we personally believe about God?       

The Thessalonians lived and shared their faith, and those living around them noted their difference and wanted to know more.  Their lives were changed; they went out and served—living their faith.  How has knowing Jesus changed your life? 

Paul’s converts in Thessalonica didn’t stay where they were—keeping things to themselves.  The same goes for us…we should be so in love with our Lord that others around us notice and want to know more!  This is not the time to keep quiet or the time to hide.  Now more than ever, we need to actively live and share our faith.  John Wesley stated something like this, “I want to be so on fire for the Lord that people come to watch me burn.”  That is my hope and prayer…to be so on fire for the Lord that people around me take note and want to know more.  What about you?          

 Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Jesus, come to us and so change us through the infilling of Your Holy Spirit that others will take notice and want to know more.  Please provide us the words we need and the desire to share You with those around us.  You truly do change lives and have made a difference in our lives.   In Your precious name.  Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim