A Little May Go A Long Way

A young man preached his heart out. He was barely 23 years old and this was his first
gospel meeting. How his heart did beat when he received the invitation to come and
preach for the small group of brethren in this little community. Visions of huge crowds,
high excitement, lots of responses filled his head as he contemplated the coming event.
When the time came he was almost out of breath with excitement.

Although the crowds were fair, there was seemingly very little excitement during the
meeting. Brethren listened attentively, but their reaction was basically one of quiet
politeness. He preached his heart out for two weeks. When the meeting was concluded,
one person–a little girl 12 years old–obeyed the gospel. He was discouraged,
disappointed.

Before returning home, he called together the Elders of the little congregation and
apologized to them. “I guess I’m not as far along as I thought I was,” he said, “I’m sorry
for the fact that only one person responded to the invitation.” “I’ll try and do better the
next time–that is if there is a next time,” he said. The Elders sought in vain to console
him as he went on his way.

Years past. The little girl grew up. She married a fine Christian man. To this union
was born five sons. All five of the sons became gospel preachers. Through their efforts
thousands of people learned about Jesus and obeyed the gospel.

All this, because of the effort of one young, inexperienced gospel preacher.
Influence is interesting. You never know how much you have or what that influence
may accomplish. Even people who think themselves to have very little of it have been
known to have a profound effect on the lives of others. And influences are not always
huge, either. Lots of times it’s little acts that impress us. And many times we don’t even
realize our influence is being felt.

One thing is certain: we need to learn that there’s power in influence–power for good,
power for evil. You have such power. So do I. For instance, if you’re an older person,
chances are younger people are watching you and some of them are apt to follow your
example, whether you know it or not. If you are younger, there are still kids who are
younger still who may well be patterning their lives after you. So it’s important to
“watch out where you’re going” as my Dad used to say. How sad it would be to lead
some person down the wrong path.

How’s our influence for good? Do others see Jesus living in us? Do they see the joy
we have in seeking and serving Him? Do we shrink back at the slightest set-back? We
may not know how much influence we’re having, but we do know that it’s right to keep
on trying. It might turn out like the young preacher, who knows?

The best example you can possibly be is one where Christ is the dominant feature in
your life. Lead yourself well and you’ll lead others well.

~Dee Bowman