This morning the sports world is abuzz with the tragic news of the death of iconic football linebacker Junior Seau. If you even know what a football looks like then you understand that Junior Seau was one of the greatest defensive players to ever step on the field. There are lots of athletes out there who perform with excellence and then fade into the fringes after retirement, but there are those few who leave a much bigger mark than just a list of athletic accolades. Junior Seau was one of those elite few.
Off the field Seau was one of those guys who was intent on making his community a better place and would often appear in public service commericals advocating various causes. ESPN has been running quotes and clips from Seau's past teammates and friends and there can be no doubt that this guy carried a tremendous amount of weight in and beyond the football world. Large, athletic men with tears unashamedly streaming down their faces fill the screen as they voice their memories and new found sorrow and pain for this football legend. He was leader on and off the field for some many. His influence has had a tremendous impact on many people's lives.
Influence is such a powerful thing. In a world of 6+ billion people, there are a precious few whose names are in the headlines day after day, making it easy for one to assume that influence is reserved only for those who have done great things or are in important positions. We assume that you must "be somebody" important to have influence.
That assumption would be true.
Influence isn't something that is granted to the worthy. It is inherent in all of us. The question isn't whether or not you have influence but rather how you will choose to use the influence that you have.
Think about the most influential people in your life. Are they professional athletes, rock stars, Hollywood types? Or are they people like your parents, friends, teachers, coaches, youth workers? While we may strive to emulate those who have garnered wealth and status and power for themselves, we spend the majority of our lives living in rhythm with "normal people" who surround us everyday.
Influence can be a curse or a blessing. It can intoxicate and poison and it can also be used to lead others to greatness. Jesus warned that if a person misuses his influence in this world, then "it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea!" (Matthew 18:6) People watch what you do. They listen to what you say. Your decisions are being analyzed and scrutinized. You are constantly being observed from every possible angle and what you do or choose not to do has significant influence on those around you.
Influence is most potent when it is used as a conduit to channel the strengths and gifts that God has blessed you with. When you are passionate about something then your influence will naturally flow from that passion. If you look at the life of Jesus you can easily see that His passion was the kingdom of God. He didn't use His powers of influence to boost His own ego or blow His own horn. No, His sole aim was to lead men and women to His father.
How are you choosing to influence your world?
Off the field Seau was one of those guys who was intent on making his community a better place and would often appear in public service commericals advocating various causes. ESPN has been running quotes and clips from Seau's past teammates and friends and there can be no doubt that this guy carried a tremendous amount of weight in and beyond the football world. Large, athletic men with tears unashamedly streaming down their faces fill the screen as they voice their memories and new found sorrow and pain for this football legend. He was leader on and off the field for some many. His influence has had a tremendous impact on many people's lives.
Influence is such a powerful thing. In a world of 6+ billion people, there are a precious few whose names are in the headlines day after day, making it easy for one to assume that influence is reserved only for those who have done great things or are in important positions. We assume that you must "be somebody" important to have influence.
That assumption would be true.
Influence isn't something that is granted to the worthy. It is inherent in all of us. The question isn't whether or not you have influence but rather how you will choose to use the influence that you have.
Think about the most influential people in your life. Are they professional athletes, rock stars, Hollywood types? Or are they people like your parents, friends, teachers, coaches, youth workers? While we may strive to emulate those who have garnered wealth and status and power for themselves, we spend the majority of our lives living in rhythm with "normal people" who surround us everyday.
Influence can be a curse or a blessing. It can intoxicate and poison and it can also be used to lead others to greatness. Jesus warned that if a person misuses his influence in this world, then "it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea!" (Matthew 18:6) People watch what you do. They listen to what you say. Your decisions are being analyzed and scrutinized. You are constantly being observed from every possible angle and what you do or choose not to do has significant influence on those around you.
Influence is most potent when it is used as a conduit to channel the strengths and gifts that God has blessed you with. When you are passionate about something then your influence will naturally flow from that passion. If you look at the life of Jesus you can easily see that His passion was the kingdom of God. He didn't use His powers of influence to boost His own ego or blow His own horn. No, His sole aim was to lead men and women to His father.
How are you choosing to influence your world?
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