I’ve recently gotten involved with a group that is studying the book Roaring Lambs by Bob Briner. The book talks about the way Christians insulate themselves from the world and how it results in the inability to understand or be effective in sharing Christ with the world. Hopefully, the reader will be able to allow himself to step outside of the safe “Christian ghettos” and actually do the work that Jesus called him to do in the Great Commission.  It’s my second time reading it and I look forward to the interaction helping me get even more out of the experience this time.

As part of the discussion this week, we gave ourselves homework:  We are to identify our sphere of influence and think about how God would use us most effectively within it.

The first question to ask myself is what a “sphere of influence” is.  I looked on trusty wikipedia but it let me down this time as it discussed “indirect cultural, economic, military or political domination”… that’s not what I’m after – at least not on that scale.  My sphere of influence is the people I interact with throughout the day and upon whom I’m able to leave an impression.  I might leave a handprint on their lives, but I’m not sure how much domination will be accomplished.

The obvious people that come to mind are my friends and family… those I have a vested interest in and who I intentionally seek out.  These are people who have been affected by me one way or another and the interactions are mutual.  We feed into each other’s lives and hopefully we’re making each other better.

The reality of it is that my sphere of influence also includes my waitress at the Waffle Shop, the cashier at Giant, the telephone operator and the gas station attendant. In each of these situations I may have only minutes for the interaction… but it’s still an opportunity to make an impression and maybe plant a few seeds.

It’s easy to do. It can be a smile, a nice tip, a “thanks for your help,” or even a hug.  Any of these things can change the mood of someone in an instant and possibly cause them to do the same for another.  What’s more, these simple gestures can help to redefine what the world knows a Christian to be.

I’m embarrassed to call myself a Christian much of the time because of the hot air that’s often spouted by the “Christians” seen in the media.  They are a disgrace to the cause and though I think many of them might have good intentions, they give the world a foul taste of who Jesus is. If someone can remember the pat on the back that I gave them and, knowing I’m a Christian, associate that with my Savior, I will consider it a victory.  I’d love to discuss matters of faith with every person I meet, but the reality is that sincere love speaks so much louder.

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35

Speaking of making a difference, yesterday I had the joy of reconnecting with an old friend of mine from my days at Camfel.  Caitlin and her partner, Christina, were driving through the area and made some time to meet me for coffee.  I’d not seen Caitlin in two years and it was such a treat for me… I forgot how much I miss that girl!  She’s on her last semester of traveling the country speaking to students about the power they have to make a difference in the world and I’m sure they’d welcome any prayers you can send their way!