Being Influencers

Dear Southtowners,

Last week at our Church Council meeting, I asked everyone to share who influenced them the most to become more and more like Jesus in attitude, thinking and living. It was such a privilege to hear each servant leader's response. Each story was different and very powerful. So much so, I have been reflecting on each of their stories. 

Each story was about how they saw Jesus clearly in these "Influencers." The stories were different, yet similar. Each "Influencer" was going through a challenging circumstance and each Church Council person saw first hand the presence of Jesus in them. I cannot help but praise God for bringing such wonderful "Influencers" into our Church Councils' lives. 

After reflecting on this as a Church Council last Thursday evening, the challenge was, how can we be an "Influencer" to the people in our lives? How can the people in our lives, see Jesus in our attitude, thinking and living? Are people attracted to how we respond to life and circumstances? Do people sense the presence of Jesus in our attitudes? Then we prayed and continued with the rest of the meeting.

Who has influenced you to become more like Jesus in attitude, thinking and living? Have you thanked them lately? Have you praised God and prayed for them lately?

How can you become more and more of that kind of "Influencer" in your sphere of living?

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Phil 2:1-4

Praying God uses each of you to be powerful and practical "Influencers" today and every day.
Praying that God uses this new fall series, Challenging Questions, to encourage and strengthen Christians and to reach those far from God.
Praying God uses Southtown to change and enhance the world.

See you Sunday when we talk about Why Isn't God Answering My Prayers?

Praying,
Pastor Chris

---