A Prayer to Impact Those in Your Sphere of Influence
By Laura Bailey
Bible Reading: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” - Matthew 28:19 NIV
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Pete, Repeat, and Echo. These are the “endearing” names my husband calls me and my two oldest daughters. Our eight-week-old is already cooing and cawing along with the rest of us, now the newest member of our babbling tribe of Bailey girls.
When my oldest daughter, Madeline, stayed with my parents in Virginia last summer for a week, my mother regularly sent me pictures and videos of Madeline playing. What made the videos so entertaining was that my daughter was immersed in her imaginary role as . . . yes, you guessed it, yours truly.
In her “office,” she informed my mother that she was a writer who told women about Jesus. When she talked on the old flip phone Mom gave her to play with, the “conversations” went something like this: “Oh, Hey! Wait, hold on. Girls! Get down from there!” “Oh heavens to Betsy, I have to go; my girls are making me lose my mind!”
Grudgingly, I admit, her impression of me, was pretty spot on.
All of us influence others, whether we realize it or not, especially younger people. They observe and copy our actions because they want to be like us. Young children are asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up? " Not surprisingly, they readily reply, “A mommy or a daddy,” more often than not.
Most Humans were created this way to be natural followers. We imitate those we see around us. God refers to His followers as sheep and Himself as the Good Shepherd. Sheep are not the “brightest crayons in the box.” Shepherds must relentlessly guide and rescue their flock because they constantly stray and wander off into danger. Left to fend for themselves, most sheep would not survive, pure and simple.
Ultimately, we, like sheep, must keep our eyes on the Lord, our Shepherd, who tends to us daily and leads us in paths of righteousness. Furthermore, the Bible also clarifies that we are to shepherd or disciple others. This command does not discriminate. Regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic standing, we are responsible for leading others to Christ and help them walk in His ways.
But how can I “go” with three small children? How can I “go” without formal training? How can I “go” without a bottomless bank account?
After I shared my personal dilemma regarding these verses with my pastor, he explained to me that the word " GO” was not so much a verb as a noun—a commandment. Jesus commands His followers to go tell others about Him, to go help people in their time of need, and to love them.
Recall what I shared earlier about my daughter. She was watching me, not just that day, but every day. She hangs onto every word, every action, and every reaction. She imitates everything I do, the good and the bad.
Guess what? People beyond the walls of our homes watch us, too. We grownups have a Christian duty to demonstrate to others, especially children and young people, how to live God-honoring, Christ-centered lives. How? Inviting our Heavenly Father into our daily routines and filling our hearts and minds with His words. This equips us to shepherd or disciple those the Lord places along our paths in our sphere of influence.
True, this begs the question, “Are we following Christ”?
Are we imitators of Him or someone else?
Do our lives mirror Jesus so that others reflect Him, too?
Thank goodness He doesn't give up on us or turn away when we stray and act like we don't love Him because of our sinful choices. He loves us unconditionally, even when we repeatedly reject Him and run from His love. Our Savior, the Good Shepherd, tends to us regardless.
In a nutshell, that’s discipleship -- helping others to grow in Christ and experience the immeasurable grace, mercy and love God freely bestows on us every single day. Remember, Jesus commands us to make disciples.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, help us remember that discipleship takes time, effort, and commitment. It often requires us to love people who don’t love us back but encourage us as we continue to share the Gospel faithfully. Please place someone in our hearts whom we can promote and strengthen in the faith.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/MixMedia
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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