“Inspired”Oftentimes I can’t decide whether to be grateful or saddened by the fact that we rarely get to see the deep influence we have on others, on each other. Life is not lived in a vacuum; we do not exist in isolation one from another. We all interact, and born from that interaction is influence; an influence that can inspire both love and hate, kindness and cruelty, good works and dark deeds. This week our congregation received a very large donation from a brother who hasn’t worshipped with us for many years. While he was a member here in 2006 and 2007 he was a well-liked and personable young man; then a change in colleges sent him to live in Southern California. No one in the congregation had heard from him after the move--until this week. On the surface, it seemed odd to me: to make a sizable donation to a church one hasn’t attended in 5 years. But then I remembered that a church is not just an institution; a church is people, individuals; a church is a family. Our brother wasn’t remembering the church, he was remembering each of us as his brothers and sisters; as his friends and neighbors; as his fellow Christians. I don’t know our brother’s motivations for giving to us so generously, but I know one thing: we had an influence on him; we made an impact. And now, in return, his actions have made an impact on us. We are commanded to inspire good works in each other, aren’t we? Galatians 6:10 tells us: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” It is our job as Christians to influence and to inspire each other to righteousness. Our brother’s good works were inspired by our good works toward him, and now we can be inspired by his good works in return. As Paul points out though, our influence extends beyond our church family. It is quite easy to love your brothers and sisters; to repay good for good, isn’t it? Jesus tells us in Luke 6:35: “But love your enemies, do good to them…” We are to be constantly vigilant regarding the influence we have on those around us, whomever they may be. Our actions dictate whether our influence on others is a positive one, or negative. Therefore, Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:12: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” We so oftentimes never get to see the influence we have on others; the impact we have on our fellow man; the good works we may inspire. But sometimes we do, and we should be grateful for that, and grateful for every opportunity we have to show love, kindness, hospitality, compassion, and support; to be grateful for every opportunity we have to do a good deed. “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” [Hebrews 13:1-2] We all change each others lives in small ways and in big ways every day. Let’s all try to make every day count, and be positive influences; using any opportunity to inspire good works in all our fellow man. Our brother in Southern California found himself faced with an opportunity to do a good work, and he took full advantage of it. Now it’s our turn to be inspired. — Paul Seely, August 14, 2011 |