When asked about the greatest influence in my life I tend to gravitate to speaking about mom, teachers, or coaches as they are the ones on the ground and in the trenches with me. But what about Jesus?
“1Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in the heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.” – Hebrews 3:1-2 (ESV)
I have been missing out on lifting up the greatest influence in my life, Jesus. He is the one that I work to be like each day. He is who I want to be an example for others to view and ask about. So why would I not exclaim Jesus as the greatest influence in my life?
I have to consider the question. Is it because I am afraid? Am I embarrassed? Will I be mocked? Will I be persecuted? Will I have to explain why? All of those questions are valid and all of them are simply excuses for me to duck and cover.
If I am honest with myself, it is that I am not bold enough. I am not the Type A Controlling personality that others are and therefor spend a lot of time analyzing and calculating. Without that boldness, I am waiting for someone to come to me instead of taking the lead as Christ did and go to them.
A few years ago a chose the word “Stand” as my word of the year. And what I learned is to be more assertive, up front, and confident in saying what needs to be said. I will say that where I have been able to be more in the front of the group and outspoken, I have not taken that same approach in every aspect of my life, such as sharing Jesus.
I will be remedying that going forward. When asked about the influences in my life, mom, teachers, and coaches are still on the list, however Jesus is not at the top of that list. I will not be afraid. I will not concern myself with embarrassment. I will not worry about being mocked. I will invite persecution. I will embrace explaining why. I am proud to be a child of God and as such I am proud to share Jesus.
Who influences your life? If Jesus is on the list, where does He rank? What would it take for you to be bold enough to share Jesus as the lead influence in you life?
Trevor's Thoughts 