We often underestimate the power of influence. As I examine my life, I see it riddled with men and women who took the time to teach me, discipline me, hold me accountable, prophecy over me, and pour God’s Word into me. I cringe when I think of the course my life might have taken without those people.
Becoming an influencer is not easy. It requires self-sacrifice, the willingness to love when it hurts, and the faith to take risks on people. It demands times when you get in someone's face when they don't appreciate it, and give someone an opportunity when they don't feel ready for it. It's pouring in truth and drawing out faith. Of this one thing I am sure–if the church loses its influencers, mentors, and disciple-makers, we will damage our future by sending out a generation of believers who are unprepared for life and ministry.
Don't underestimate your ability, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to make a disciple of Jesus. Go forth, find the fragile, open hearts that God has placed under your influence and invest yourself wholly. You may not see the immediate fruit, but take my word for it, some young pastor, evangelist, missionary, father, or mother will think of you later with a grateful heart.
2 Timothy 1:5 – …when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.