August 13, 2007
Inspired!
Inspired! Encouraged to do something. Having enthusiasm instilled for some activity or cause. Motivated to act. BUT FOR WHAT? We may inspire others or be inspired by them and feel good that it was possible to do so. However, is this taking place with regard to the most significant things?
Just a week ago I had a situation that caused me to reflect on this in my own life. On a recent Saturday morning -- as I was out on one of my long walks -- I encountered a woman I have known for a number of years through one of my community activities. She’s an individual who frequently waves at me when passing me in her car while I am walking. However, this particular Saturday she was not driving, but instead was walking as well. We were going different directions on opposite sides of the street and so she called across to me that I had inspired her to start walking. The very next morning (Sunday) -- as I was on my way to the church building -- I saw her walking again. Her walking was apparently becoming part of a daily routine. I had inspired her to walk, but even though she knows I am a Christian, I had not inspired her toward the spiritual activities I was on my way to take part in that morning. While others may be inspired to walk for the health benefits, it is the CHRISTIAN WALK that I need to be more mindful of striving to inspire others toward. It is the CHRISTIAN WALK (godliness) that holds benefit for both this life and the life to come! ( 1 Timothy 4:8)
May we bear in mind the INFLUENCE Jesus urged us to recognize our life is to be and toward what end!
“(13) YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. (14) YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. (15) Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. (16) In the same way, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS, so THAT THEY MAY SEE your good works AND GIVE GLORY TO YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN.” ( Matthew 5:13-16 ESV)
Living as “salt”; adding godly flavor, bring healing, and even bringing a preserving benefit. Being “light”; illuminating the way and bringing to light the brilliant truths of God’s Word. However, all of this being lived out in such a manner that the attention is moved beyond our own selves to others glorifying our Father in Heaven! May our actions and words be focused so as to inspire those around us toward spiritual things so that they also might begin the CHRISTIAN WALK that leads to a glorious eternity with Him.
Have a great day INSPIRED OF GOD TO INSPIRE OTHERS TO SEEK HIM!
Carl
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