Influence

I was checking the pockets of a dirty pair of jeans making sure nothing was left in them before they were washed when suddenly the Lord reminded me of the time I left a paper napkin unnoticed in a shirt pocket. Well, the shirt was a part of a full washing machine load of clothes that went through the complete washing cycle. As my wife began to gather the clothes from the washer to put into the dryer, she noticed tiny specks of paper everywhere! Those little bits of paper were literally attached to every piece of clothing in that load. There seemed to be tiny specks of paper in places you would never imagine. As I was reflecting on that event, The Lord whispered to me that our influence was far reaching just like those tiny napkin pieces. In fact, He said just like the ripples of waves created when a rock hits the water spreads out in all directions, our influence behaves in the same manner. Now, here's the question. What kind of influence are you? Positive or negative? Godly or ungodly? Can people see the love of God which is spread abroad in your heart? Does your life demonstrate integrity, honor and truth? How about the fruit of the Spirit such as love Joy peace…? Always remember that we are a living and walking billboard that advertisers and demonstrates our influence everywhere we go. A smile or a kind and encouraging word could be all that someone needs to completely turn their life aroun. Yes, our influence is powerful and only God knows how far reaching it really is. Much love… John