Friday; August 23

Who has made a difference in your life?  Let me make this a little bit easier, which of the friends and family who shaped your life are no longer around you?  I would imagine that if we have lived more than a few decades, at least some of the people who influenced us the most are already gone.  Now, here comes the more intriguing part of the question:  are these people still influencing you?  Now you might be wondering if you misread that last question – but probably not.  Yes, I did ask if the people who have died are still influencing you?  If you are scratching your head and asking “How?”, let me see if I can help.  First, many of the lessons that the people who influenced you stayed with you long after they were gone.  They may have taught you a sense of righteousness or an appreciation for the Scriptures.  They may have showed you how to walk your spiritual journey or practice your Christianity.  No, they may be gone; but their imprint is still on your life.  Yet, there is an interesting New Testament passage that is intriguing.  After the author of Hebrews lists the Hall of Fame of Faith he observes, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2).  When you think of your spiritual realm do you imagine your cheerleaders?  Sure it might be Moses or David or Abraham … but it could also be Aunt Frieda or Brother Jones!  

We aren’t walking this journey alone – we have good people surrounding us.  Are we doing them proud? 

Think About It!


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