THE AIM OF EMPOWERED TO INFLUENCE (Part 2)

The second fold aim of Empowered to Influence is Godly influence in communities.

Godly influence in communities is a natural outcome of the first fold: ministries taking place in communities. Below are examples of such Godly influence, gathered from my three decades’ worth of personal experiences and encounters in the marketplace, as well as my own personal journey.

• Christ being seen by non-believers as the motivator for all that believers do and stand for

Before we preach Christ, let us live Christ. Let Christ be the reason for our hard work, excellent attitude, plans, desires, purposes, and all we do. Non-believers need to see that Christ is relevant in all we live for and are passionate about. In fact, they must see that Christ in us causes us to work with enthusiasm, and the good results bless not just ourselves, but the people around us—our colleagues, clients, business associates, etc.

In order to have Christ as the motivator in all we do and stand for, we must die to our agenda, our selfish ambition, our insecurities, and anchor ourselves in Him.

• Non-believers honour and accept the belief and conviction of believers
  
  As non-believers see how we live, with Christ being the motivator of our lives and having come into blessing in their association with us, they would honour and accept us for our belief. In fact, they would respect us for our faith, instead of sneering at us.
  
•  Non-believers are open to explore our faith

Author and apologist, Dr. Ravi Zacharias once said, “Many non-Christians may not read the Bible in print, but they will read it in your life and in my life, and decide if Christ is real altogether.”

My experience as a believer in the marketplace has been a very pleasant one. I find that non-believers are generally open and in fact drawn to us if we, instead of being judgmental and exclusive, live out Christ in ways that show how He is relevant to the communities we are in.

•  Conversion is a natural occurrence

Dr. Ravi Zacharias, in an interview with a Christian magazine, said, “When the beauty of Christ is seen, He draws people unto Himself. Conversion is never an enforced thing. It is an attractive thing, the work of God. … I say, live for Jesus, and when people see the beauty of Christ in you, they will ask you questions, and they will want the same results in their life.”

•  Influence of Godly values on both believers and on believers

When non-believers see the good lives of believers—lives that may not be easy, but still filled with meaning, joy, peace and hope—they want to learn from us. They would embrace the values that we abide and live by.  Now, such values (kingdom values) are the attributes of Christ. In other words, by learning, embracing, and living out these values, they are actually following Christ, though not yet believers. In my experience, someone who follows the values of Christ would eventually find it only reasonable and meaningful to come to Christ, to now follow Him deeper and partake in His kingdom call.

• Kindness extended and help rendered to those in need

One great evidence of Godly influence in the communities is having believers taking time and having the heart to support, guide and help those in need. This stands out especially in the marketplace where the norm is to promote one’s self-interest. 

• Justice and equal opportunity for all

Another evidence of Godly influence is that justice is served to everyone in the communities, and opportunity for growth, development and progress in life is equally open to all. There is no bias towards certain people or prejudice against others. All are given equal rights to advance and/or protect their interest.

 

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