Dave seems like a very nice guy. The first time I saw him was when he stopped by my office unexpectedly. He surprised me with a donation to our church’s ministry. Then, he told me that he would visit our worship services soon, which he did.
Since this kind of visit doesn’t happen very often (certainly not often enough), I asked him how he heard about us. He said that he met one of our church members when our member stopped by Dave’s business to solicit work for his company. Though Dave was not in the market for his services, our member invited him to come to worship with us. Plus, I believe he gave Dave a church business card at the same time.
Well, that was two years ago, during which time Dave and our member had no contact with each other. Recently, Dave and his wife were talking about going to church and he remembered the old invitation. It seems our church member left such a positive impression on Dave that he remembered the one-time invitation from two years previously. That was amazing!
Isn’t it interesting how seemingly insignificant incidents leave long-term impressions? I suppose there is some truth to the old adage, “First impressions are lasting impressions.” In this case, the light of a Christian witness burned for two years in the mind of someone who needed it.
Well, Jesus wants us to have the same kind of positive impact on others. He said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)
When we go about our daily routine, we need to think about how our lives influence others. A word spoken in frustration or a cold shoulder toward someone else’s needs can give us an instant bad reputation. On the other hand, a kind word or a caring Christian action can give immediate help to someone else and leave a positive impression on them for the Lord.
Certainly, we can make the world a little better when we let our little lights shine. That’s the kind of global warming we need. Perhaps, we can shine God’s love on someone else today by doing a good deed. Maybe, we can plant good seeds in others’ lives that will eventually grow to fruition, possibly in two years.
Remember, God loves you and so do I.
Phil
Copyright © 2010 Philip Walter
This GOD-BLOG was previously published. For the next few weeks, we will send you GOD-BLOGs that have been previously distributed, because we are trying to give Phil some extra time to meet a publishing deadline for his new book. Please be assured that each of the “oldies” will be revised and updated before you receive it. After Phil finishes the manuscript for the new book, we will resume sending you fresh GOD-BLOGs. We hope these devotionals will speak to your heart as effectively as the new ones do.
FYI: The GOD-BLOG is a free, short weekly devotional based on a Bible truth with a contemporary application. Its purpose is to give you a little spiritual boost from one Sunday to the next. It is written by Philip Walter, Minister at New Horizons Christian Church in Winter Garden, Florida. Additionally, Mr. Walter is a writer and veteran law enforcement chaplain.