Have you ever considered how you can be a positive influence? Who has been a positive influence in your life? How is that influence affecting you today? How is your life different because of that person or persons? I would not be doing what I am today if it were not for godly influence of people throughout my life.
I remember hearing the testimony of an older lady who grew up in an orphanage. Her life was difficult, and she was abused and felt unloved. When she was about ten years old a young woman came from the local college and shared the good news of Jesus at the orphanage. She asked Jesus into her heart, and something began to change in her. Although her life continued to be difficult for a long time, Jesus became a positive influence in her life through His word. Over time Jesus healed her deep wounds of feeling unloved and abandoned.
Everyone Desires People of Positive Influence
I believe all of us long to have people in our life that care for us, build us up and encourage us. In our story today Cornelius was such a man. Acts 10:1In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God.[1]
Cornelius lived at a time where the Romans still occupied Israel and not long after Jesus lived, died, rose, and ascended into heaven. The book of Acts calls Cornelius a man who was a devout, God-fearing man and he had a tremendous influence on those around him.
Everyone in household was also God-fearing, which speaks of his amazing positive influence. How would the lives of the people in Cornelius’ household have been different without his Godly influence? He would be instrumental in his entire household receiving the Holy Spirit. His influence would have eternal blessings.
Choose to be a Positive Influence
The older lady earlier in our story did not receive a lot of positive influence in her early life, but that all changed when Jesus drew her to faith. She went on to have an amazing positive influence on all who came into her life including me. You can do the same thing as a believer in Jesus.
As Christians we have a responsibility to love and serve others. We are to guide and watch over newer Christians and lead by example as servants of Jesus Christ. The people in your life are not there by accident. Acts 17:26“From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.”[2]
You can lead those around you on the greatest adventure of their life, and you can start now. May you walk in the footsteps of Cornelius and bless others. To hear more about how you can be a positive influence, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-cornelius
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.