The Most Influential!

Have you ever pondered who it is that has had the most influence in your life? Who do you consider to have had the most impact on the world? History is filled with the names and deeds of many great men and women who impacted their societies and the world of their day. However, who’s impact has truly stood the test of time?

Consider the following: “Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, and Jesus for only 3. Yet the influence of Christ’s 3-year ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching from these men who were among the greatest philosophers of all antiquity. Jesus painted no pictures; yet, some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci received their inspiration from Him. Jesus wrote no poetry; but Dante, Milton, and scores of the world’s greatest poets were inspired by Him. Jesus composed no music; still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, and Mendelssohn reached their highest perfection of melody in the hymns, symphonies, and oratories they composed in His praise. Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble Carpenter of Nazareth.” -- Henry G. Bosch [source: Tan, P. L. (1996, ©1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations, Garland TX: Bible Communications]

Though some would like to deny it, the most worthy impact JESUS CHRIST has had in the lives of men and women and children through the ages continues even today. The thing for which we must come to grips is how influential is JESUS CHRIST in our own individual life? Is He still being acknowledged as the Teacher of truth that relates to all of life in practical ways? Is He the One Who helps us picture clearly the life to be lived now and the hope we have for eternity? Is the name of JESUS CHRIST still poetry to our ears? Is He the One Who -- regardless of what we are experiencing in life -- compels a song of joy and peace and praise to well up from deep within us? Remember how Paul and Silas were able to sing hymns while in prison. ( Acts 16:25) This imprisonment even opened the door for the influence of JESUS CHRIST on the Philippian jailer and his family.

In Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth we read…
“(13) For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. (14) FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST CONTROLS US, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; (15) and he died for all, that THOSE WHO LIVE MIGHT NO LONGER LIVE FOR THEMSELVES BUT FOR HIM who for their sake died and was raised.” ( 2 Corinthians 5:13-15 ESV)

The Greek word translated “controls” (ESV) or “compel” (NKJV) is “sunechei” from “sunecho” and literally refers to “a holding together, or compressing” (“sun”, together, and “echo”, to hold) and was used of the narrowing of a way. Under the control or compelling influence of JESUS CHRIST our focus can be properly narrowed to what matters most as we no longer live for ourselves, but rather FOR HIM and His purposes!

There may be many people to whom we are thankful for the influence they presently have or have had on our life. However, may the most influential people in our life be those who are also most influenced by JESUS CHRIST! Under the control of His influence we can become the greatest influence in the lives of others as well.

Have a great day ALLOWING CHRIST’S POWER TO PREVAIL IN OUR LIFE!
Carl

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