Planting Seeds Day 18: Seeds of Influence

The Great Commission: The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some of them doubted. Then Jesus came to them, and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey everything that I have commanded you. And be sure that I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 16-20

God has given us so much. We have been placed in a country where life is still pretty good compared to many countries in the world. Food is available. Clothing is inexpensive. We can choose our work. There is time for entertainment. Raising and being part of a family is a priority. We attend church and we read our Bibles without fear. We have the time and the money to help others. We are so blessed.

And God has changed us. Holy Spirit has empowered us to be different than we were. We don’t think like we did. We don’t want to act like we used to. We are a new spiritual person inside (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have new emotions to explore: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-23). We have new things to do that give us encouragement, consolation, fellowship, affection and compassion (Philippians 2:1). We look out for the interests of others, without complaining or arguing. We know that what we do has eternal benefits for us and them. We smile more! We are His light! 

Influencing others from these strengths is the plan!

We are commissioned to go everywhere, and to make disciples and influence others wherever we are. But God may also call us to a special place, like I was called to go to China. Before I went, I often shared my heart for the Chinese in a bible study I led at the University of Maryland. Twenty years later I got a phone call from my sister who lives in Charlotte. Someone had seen that her family name was Clamp. The girl asked if she knew me, Amanda Clamp. With joy, she told my sister that she and her husband were getting ready to go to China as missionaries. The seed of influence planted in me by God was nurtured in her! We may never know how God uses the seeds of influence we plant, until we get to heaven! But He has faithfully prepared us and He has prepared the good seeds for us to plant (Ephesians 2:10). 

In what sphere of influence has God planted you to plant seeds? For me, it is now my neighborhood and my pickleball friends. Identify one or two places or groups in your own life. Pray for God to use you. Pray for the people in them.

Sign up for weekly reminders to pray for the specific people on your neighborhood streets (provided by the website): http://www.blesseveryhome.com . 

Lord Jesus, I want to be Your feet and Your heart for the people in my life. Use me to influence others. Show me who to pray for and how to befriend them for You. Amen.