On our blogs we have had favorite teacher surveys and talked of people who we felt have influenced our lives the most. We’ve asked each other the question, “Who do you consider to have had the most impact on your life”? These are good things and people to talk about. We all have “heroes”. There are surveys out all the time about who the most influential men and women are in the world. However, who’s impact/influence has stood the test of time?
Socrates? He taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, and Jesus for only 3-1/2. Yet the influence of Jesus 3-1/2 year ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching from these men who were among the greatest philosophers of all time. Jesus painted no pictures; yet, some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci received their inspiration from Him. Jesus wrote no poetry; but Dante, Milton and scores of the world’s greatest poets were inspired by Him. Jesus composed no music; still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, and Mendelssohn reached their highest perfection of melody in the hymns, symphonies and oratories they composed in His praise. Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble Carpenter of Nazareth.
Though some would like to deny it, the most worthy impact Jesus has had in the lives of men, women and children through the ages continues even today. How is His impact on you, today, personally? Is he still the beautiful rose of Sharon, the lily in the valley, the power that is found in His name, the one who gives you a song in the night….?
There may be many people to whom we are thankful for the influence they presently have or have had on our life. However, I hope and pray that the most influential people in our life be those who are also most influenced by Jesus Christ! Better yet, is that we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If we are under the control of His influence we can become the greatest influence in the lives of others as well!
Hey! You go girl!! They ought to sign you up as the special speaker for this Sunday! LOL!! Awesome thought!!
Kevin, you are too funny! 🙂 I do get to teach occasionally. 🙂 I enjoy it. Have a great Sunday!
HE is the ONE I want to influence me the most! Thank you for this post today. Love you!
I’m thankful that as my older sister you have always allowed the Lord to be the biggest influence in your life. 🙂 Love you too!
Great post! I’m thankful for the influence Jesus has had and continues to have in my life. What a privilege it is to have a relationship with Him!
Thank you, Carol. It is definitely a privilege to know Him. I’m thankful for you and Bro. Connell and the work you are doing in Oakley. 🙂
Wonderful post. I am so grateful that He is the One that influences my life the most – and may I always desire for Him to hold that place in my life.
Amen and Amen!
I’m so glad He is the one and that I know Him in TRUTH!.
Your blog is so inspirational. Love you
Thank you, Sis. Guidroz. You all are truly some of the people that influence others because of the Lord’s influence in your life. Love you back!
Wonderful post! I do want His influence in my life.
Thanks for the reminder for us to double check our lives and its influences! I always want Jesus to have priority in my life and family in everything we do!! Amen!!