Today I’ve been reflecting on a great message given by our women’s director last night about the impact of our influence on others. It really hit home for me because I suppose I’ve always been of the opinion that I don’t really have very large circles of influence. I’m very much an introvert (meaning that I derive energy from being alone; not that I am asocial) and I have only a handful of really close friends. So, naturally I’ve always just assumed that I couldn’t possibly have the power to influence a lot of people.

Except, the more I thought about it and the more Mikala talked, the more I realized that’s not true at all. Though I may not have a million friends, I interact with a ton of people on a regular basis, who in turn interact with a ton of people on a regular basis and, well, you get my point. My influence in exponentially larger that I’ve ever realized! And so is yours!

So, what does this mean? Well, it means we should actually consider the way we portray ourselves to others through our words, actions, and even thoughts.

I don’t necessarily consider myself a negative person, but I certainly don’t always say the most positive and uplifting things, particularly about myself. I’ve always had a very self-deprecating sense of humor. I’m not sure if it’s just the way I’ve taught myself to deal with uncomfortable situations or if I actually have a low opinion of myself (hopefully not the latter!), but I make a lot of off-handed “jokes,” in which I put myself down. Much of the time, I don’t actually believe or mean the things that I say…sometimes I do…but I’ve never really stopped to think that those negative words, even if only in jest, could have a huge impact on others, potentially even in the way they perceive themselves.

With that in mind, I hope you’ll join me in considering the impact you have on others and pursuing a Godly influence.

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” – 1 Peter 2:12