Influencers

Who influences you? What influences you? If you were to make a list to answer those two questions, it could be very long! Some things and some people have more influence on us than others. Some people get paid to influence us. Some can change our behavior but not our attitude. This might be represented by a task that an employer assigns you. We may not like it, but we like our job, so we are compelled to comply. But in another work environment a team is being assembled whose goal is to support the wellbeing of co-workers and you think “Pick me! Pick me!” You embrace the concept and even want to be an influencer for what you think is a good cause.

In the Bible, the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy speaks of one of the most significant influences in people’s lives: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9

The influence that a parent has on their child is potentially most significant. There are exceptions and sometimes children choose to do just the opposite of what they know to be important to or expected from their parents. But so many of life’s skills and values are influenced by our parents, family, and those we spend much time with. Some of these skills and values include:  how we express love, how we handle frustration and anger, how we listen to and honestly converse with one another, and that’s just the beginning of the list! Parent and family influence is strong!

In this Deuteronomy reading, the readers (and that includes us!) are encouraged to pass onto our children and family members the faithfulness of God working in our lives. Talk about those times when you were really scared or sad and God provided someone to be along side you. Admit anxiety about a move, or job challenge and how God worked everything out in the end much more positively than you imagined. Share that even in grief, God was there to comfort you.
Notice the teaching technique that this Bible passage recommends. We teach and influence through many of our daily activities. Talk about them when you sit at home and as you are out and about (even car rides). Take advantage of different times of the day. It also suggests visible reminders of God’s faithfulness. This could include things in your home, the music you listen to, etc.

Incorporate faith talk during special times and traditions. Talk about God when on vacation (admiring God’s creation, thanking God for quality time, etc.). Always make sure your Christmas celebration includes the reason for the celebration. Celebrate milestones that you and/or family members may have that are faith related (birthdays, baptism, marriage, etc.).
The greatest impact you can have as you share about your faith is how you live it. Your family and friends want to see if it’s real. By no means is there an expectation of being perfect. Even in our shortcomings and sinfulness, we can admit when we have fallen short but live in the assurance of forgiveness through Christ. That’s the message we want to pass on to others!