MUSINGS

INFLUENCE AND EXAMPLE Whether we realize it or not, each of us has an influence on all those with whom we have to do. The influence of Jesus when here was one of constant good and blessing. Grace, kindness, and compassion flowed from Him, and all He did manifested His perfect devotion to the Father’s will. If we are kept near to Him, then our influence on others will be of that character, in our little measure. We do need to remember that our manner of life, our speech, our dress, and many other things, will influence others, especially younger persons. What they see in us they will tend to accept and take on. This places a serious responsibility on us. It means that I need to think not only of what pleases me, but of the effect it may have on others. Paul says, “Let each one of us please his neighbour with a view to what is good”, and immediately adds, “For the Christ also did not please himself”, Romans l5: 2, 3.

It is a feature of maturity when a believer reaches the realization that he is no longer just to consider for himself, but is to think of others, so that they may benefit from his influence and example. Paul says to the youthful Timothy, “Be a model of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity”, 1 Timothy 4: 12. Are we setting out in our lives what Christianity really is? If not, then our influence will be unhelpful, even damaging. A wrong and misleading model may well cause others to be diverted from what is right. How sad if a younger soul, through what he sees in me, gets a wrong impression of what a believer should be. I would be responsible for misrepresenting the truth. But, positively, what a privilege it is that, in the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, we may seek to be a help and encouragement to others in the path in which our blessed Lord has led.

FCM