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What kind of influence do you have on others?

Any serious science student knows about the work of Sir Isaac Newton. Back in 1687, after an encounter with a falling apple, Newton began to study the force of gravity. Newton’s work shaped the study of physics for centuries. As important as Newton’s contribution was, however, humanity might have missed out if it were not for the work of Edmund Halley. Halley encouraged Newton’s study, corrected Newton’s mathematical mistakes, and urged Newton to publish his findings, even financing the printing despite the fact that Newton was independently wealthy and could have easily afforded to do so himself.

Because Edmund Halley supported and encouraged Isaac Newton, the world gained knowledge, but most people would never have heard of Halley if it weren’t for that comet that comes around every 76 years bearing his name. Halley was a devoted scientist who didn’t care who got the credit. Halley didn’t put himself in the limelight, he simply made sure that scientific knowledge advanced.

Barnabas played that same kind of role in the life of the early church. Barnabas’ name means “son of consolation” or “son of encouragement,” and it’s a great description. Barnabas was one of the first to sell property and give the money to the church so that poverty could be alleviated. Barnabas helped church leaders overcome their suspicion about a former enemy and persecutor named Paul, and then helped Paul launch a world-changing ministry career. Barnabas saw the potential in his young relative, Mark, and used Mark as an assistant in his work, probably also encouraging Mark to write the gospel that bears his name. Working in the background, Barnabas changed lives for the better and advanced the Kingdom of Christ.

Sportscaster and former NFL Head Coach Tony Dungy joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1977 as an undrafted free agent. When Dungy was young and trying to find himself in a major sports franchise, wide receiver John Stallworth came alongside to help. Dungy credits Stallworth for setting an example of hard work, practicing like he planned to play. Stallworth went straight home after practice to be a husband and father, avoiding the drugs and alcohol nightspots so welcoming to famous athletes. As a result, Stallworth was not only a Hall of Fame receiver, but he was known around the League as a good man, and his influence helped keep Dungy’s career on track. Dungy went on to become the first African-American to coach a Super Bowl winning team and made it into the Hall of Fame himself.

Each of those stories points to the importance of influence and encouragement. Without Edmund Halley, Isaac Newton’s work might have gone unrecognized. Barnabas was in the right place at the right time to impact the life of Paul, who becomes the world’s most effective missionary and authors almost half of the books in the New Testament. John Stallworth blessed Tony Dungy’s career and Dungy in turn used his platform not only to become a winning coach, but to become an example of Christian manhood and success to many today. Thank God for the influencers!

But here’s the thing: Everyone has influence. “No man is an island,” so every person’s life impacts the lives of those around him, for good or ill, even though the influence might not be intentional. Grade schoolers watch and imitate high schoolers, high schoolers admire the lives of college students. Dating couples look up to young marrieds, and young marrieds hope to follow in the footsteps of those who have been happily together for 50 years or more. Whether you realize it or not, you have been impacted by those above you on the ladder of life, and you, perhaps unconsciously, influence those who come behind.

So what kind of influence are you? Few would have the courage to say what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV), “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Most people are reluctant to see themselves as an example for others, all too aware of their own sins and failures. But, like it or not, you are an influencer, so what kind of example are you setting? Are friends better off because you’re in their life? Is the world a little better because you’re here? Will the children who walk in your footsteps arrive in Heaven?

Here’s another question: Have you thanked those who played a positive role in your life? Is a note of gratitude or a phone call of “thanks” overdue?

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