Every life touches another. Generation after generation, those that have come and gone before us have an impact on our lives today whether genetically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. What you do in this lifetime will impact the lives of others for generations to come. A good example of this is the Susanna Wesley. Susanna gave birth to 19 children in her life-time, but only seven lived. Two of those seven were John (number 15), and Charles (number 18). Even though preventing conception was not really accepted or practiced in her day, she could have chosen to abstain at anytime, thus preventing anymore future children or losses. However, she chose to put it all in God's hands, Look at the impact her life made on the world and also the impact Johnathan and Charles Wesley made on church history.
In my own life, I've often wondered why I was the only baby out of four pregnancies to survive. Why me God? Why was I born with cerebral palsy? Why did God choose to show me my future husband at the age of 12? Why is it, I have this strong desire and calling be a Mom and yet I've suffered two miscarriages? Why has God allowed me many opportunities to share my stories and faith with others through my online articles and stories? Not one of us can answer these questions. However, I know without a shadow of a doubt I belong to God. My life is not my own. He created me. He has plans for me. He will use me and my life experiences however he needs to for His glory.
Know that everything you say, do and think could have an impact on another. Ever wonder if you're doing any good by being a Sunday School teacher to a bunch of rowdy 2nd graders? Perhaps that meal you helped prepare Wednesday night at church was the only meal an lonely elderly man received today as he sat and fellowshipped with others. Maybe your blog post about the love of Christ and the fact that God is always with us encouraged someone to pick up a Bible and begin reading for the first time in a very long time.
Know that somethings you may say, think or do may have negative impact too. Perhaps a non-Christian who knows you are a Christian sees you lose your temper and yell at your kids after a very frustrating day. Suppose that cute and funny bumper sticker on your car sends the wrong message. Think twice before sharing any joke that would have non-Christians think twice about becoming a Christian or living the way you do. Make sure everything you say and do encourages and builds others up.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:29-30 (NIV)
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:1-5 (NIV)
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)
“Love one another as I have loved you” John 13:34 (NIV
How will your life impact the lives of others? How can you ” Pay it Forward ” the love that God has shown for you? I heard on the radio yesterday, ” How can people learn that God loves them unless we love them?” It all starts here, right now, with me and you. You'll never know, until you are standing before the Lord, how you may have impacted or touched the lives of others in this world, but wouldn't it be wonderful, one day in heaven, to meet those who were touched by your life and what you did for the glory of God. Wouldn't it be wonderful to hear, ” Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you. I am so glad you gave.”
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
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