(The following is the August 12 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 2 Corinthians 11 and pay close attention to verses 1-6.)
Who has influenced you the most? The list may include parents, family members, teachers, close friends, workplace leaders, and hopefully Christian leaders and mentors. The reasons may vary as to why they were influential. Their wisdom, compassion, guidance, and willingness to invest in our lives contributed to their impact.
Several people come to mind when I reflect on who God has used to shape me into who I am. My parents have always loved and encouraged me, modeling what it means to be loving, hard-working people of integrity who would do anything possible for friends, family, or strangers. A Sunday School teacher in high school went out of her way to teach and mentor our small group of boys. A pastor helped me grow by sharing teaching responsibilities with me. A manager in a secular job demonstrated effective, compassionate leadership. What made the influencers significant to me was not their resume, degrees, wealth, or position but who they were personally and how they poured their heart and time into my life.
When Paul confronted false apostles at Corinth, he challenged men who tried to impress others with their pedigree and rhetorical skills. These men sought to lift themselves in the eyes of others by tearing Paul down. Paul reminded the believers that, even though he was untrained as a speaker, he still had knowledge (v. 6). Rather than try to impress others, Paul said, “If boasting is necessary, I will boast about my weaknesses” (v. 30).
God uses ordinary people to spark extraordinary change in others. Never underestimate the wisdom and guidance God can provide through everyday people, including you.
Next Step:
Who are some influential people God has used to shape you into who you are today? Who do you have the opportunity to influence?
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