Influence! (part 2 of 2)

We are influenced by others and in turn influence others as well. Some of those influences may be subtle while others are direct and dynamic. Being open to the right influences aids us in being better influencers as well.

Writing to Timothy, Paul noted. . .
"(10) You, however, have FOLLOWED MY TEACHING, my CONDUCT, my AIM IN LIFE, my FAITH, my PATIENCE, my LOVE, my STEADFASTNESS, (11) my PERSECUTIONS and SUFFERINGS that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra -- which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. (12) Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (13) while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (14) But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it (15) and how FROM CHILDHOOD YOU HAVE BEEN ACQUAINTED WITH THE SACRED WRITINGS, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." ( 2 Timothy 3:10-15 ESV)

The Greek word translated "followed" is "parakoloutheo" which literally means "to follow close up, or side by side, hence, to accompany, to conform to." ["para" is "beside", and "akoloutheo" is "a follower" ("keloeuthos" is "a way")] Its use in the passage above is in the sense of "following teaching so as to practice it." [source: W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words]

Timothy had been profoundly impacted by the faith of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. ( 2 Timothy 1:5) One of our area newspapers recently quoted a woman (Canadian artist Emily van Lidth de Jeude) putting on a show of images of motherhood as saying, "Motherhood is one of the most powerful professions in the world because they are creating the next generation." [Peninsula Daily News, May 5, 2011] There is truly an influence there not to underestimated! Timothy had also been profoundly influenced by the life of Paul who had taken him under his wing as a father with a son. (note 1 Timothy 1:2; 2:1 & 2 Timothy 1:2) Those influences had had a very positive impact on the life of Timothy and aided in the development of his dedication and effectiveness as a young evangelist.

Paul referred to Timothy here in contrast to others whose lives were marked by influence that was not so good. They were "evil people and impostors" and were noted for influencing others by their deception and were being deceived more themselves. (vs.13) That influence is to be guarded against.

Consider the following short poem:

MY INFLUENCE
My Life shall touch a dozen lives
Before this day is done,
Leave countless marks of good or ill,
E'er sets the evening sun.
This, the wish I always wish,
The prayer I always pray;
Lord, may my life help other lives,
It touches by the way.
--Author Unknown

All of us have potential power to influence others and that influence can either promote evil or good. Every day we have opportunities to connect with many people. Are we living a life that can safely be FOLLOWED. If we are FOLLOWING that which relates to the righteousness of God, then we will be living a life worth FOLLOWING. Let us not underestimate the possibility of influencing those around us as we live to touch the lives of others in godly ways.

Have a great day LIVING FOR CHRIST TO LEAD TO HIM!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Influence