Impact

When you see or hear the word impact, what comes to mind? A car about to crash into another? A bug about to hit your windshield? A construction device pushing against a big rock to move it into place? You’ve probably heard the expression, “brace for impact!”
Another use of the word impact is to have influence or make a difference in someone’s life.

The Bible encourages us to be helpful, supportive, kind and loving toward other people, and it starts with our relationship with Christ. We read:  Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too Philippians 2:1-4).”
This is great instruction and encouragement. It is important to know that actions need to follow great words. I can be inspired by these verses in Philippians, but it will have no impact if I do not look for ways to live out this guidance. I need to find an application that will make a difference for another person.

Our greatest example is that of Christ. He had a mission to accomplish, and he stepped into action. We read further in Philippians 2:  “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8)!”
The interesting thing is you may never know what kind of influence you’ve had. While we like to know, we don’t have to know in order to positively influence someone else. There are many big and small acts of kindness that have big impact on others. The care and concern expressed in those actions are powerful.
Take action – Have Impact!

4832 Ponderings:

• How does your attitude have any effect on how much you care?
• How can caring for others make a difference in your relationship with them?
• If we adopt the same attitude that Christ has toward people, how might that impact our relationship?