by Shayla Asselin
Have you ever wondered what it means to be an influencer? We often think of influencers as celebrities or social media stars, but the truth is, anyone can be an influencer. An influencer is simply someone who has the power to influence others. And as Christians, we have a unique opportunity to be powerful influencers for Christ.
Recently, I was reading the a Bible story to my daughter. This inspiring example is found in Acts 16:25-34. Paul and Silas, two early Christian missionaries, were unjustly imprisoned and thrown into a deep dungeon.
Imagine being imprisoned, unjustly accused, and thrown into a dark, dank dungeon. Your body aches from the beating you've endured, and your spirit feels heavy with despair. Yet, amidst this turmoil, Paul and Silas find a way to radiate hope and peace. They begin to sing and pray, their voices echoing through the night. Miraculously, an earthquake strikes,shaking the foundations of the prison and causing the doors to fly open. The prisoners, sensing an opportunity to escape,prepare to flee.
However, Paul and Silas, rather than seizing the chance for freedom, call out to the jailer, urging him not to harm himself.Their words, filled with compassion and concern, resonate with the jailer, who is overcome with fear and confusion. He draws his sword, intending to take his own life, believing that the prisoners have escaped. But Paul's calm reassurance stops him, and the jailer rushes inside to investigate.
To his astonishment, the prisoners are all still there, bound and unharmed. The jailer falls to his knees before Paul and Silas, acknowledging their faith and asking what he must do to be saved. In a beautiful display of God's grace, Paul and Silas share the gospel with the jailer and his entire household, leading them to believe in Jesus Christ.
The question I asked myself as I read through the story with my daughter was, "Why did the prisoners choose to stay in jail, despite the opportunity to escape?" Perhaps, the answer lies in the powerful example set by Paul and Silas. Their unwavering faith, even in the face of adversity, inspired those around them. Their singing and praying, a testament to their trust in God, filled the prison with hope and peace. Their selfless concern for the jailer's well-being demonstrated their genuine love and compassion.
I believe this story teaches us a valuable lesson about the power of a Christian witness. When we live our lives according to God's principles, our actions can inspire others to do the same. Our faith can be a beacon of hope, a source of strength, and a catalyst for change. Our lives are a testament to God's glory. Let us live them intentionally and purposefully.
So how can we become influencers for Christ? Here are a few tips:
Live authentically: Be true to yourself and your faith. Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Be kind and compassionate: Treat others with love and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Your kindness can make a world of difference in someone's life.
Share your faith: Don't be afraid to talk about your faith with others. Share your testimony and encourage others to seek a relationship with God.
Serve others: Look for opportunities to serve your community and those in need. Your service can be a powerful witness to the love of Christ.
The truth is: we all have influence, whether we like it or not. The choice is ours: will it be a positive or negative impact? I pray that our lives reflect the goodness of God and bring honor to His name.
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