As I was running by these cars, I realized this truth…
Often the small decisions and behaviors we think only affect us, unintentional influence others.
I heard a friend say they only brush their teeth once a day. Being the poster child of efficiency, I jumped on this idea. I’m the guy who only flosses two weeks leading to a teeth cleaning because the dentist has always said my teeth/gums look great. So why floss 365 days a year when you can floss 14 and get the same results? ;)
You know what happened when I did that? I was told my breath stinks.
In high school, I attended a youth group as a non-Christian outsider. I was really just there to hang out with friends and play ping pong. #truestory
As an indirect result, I learned a little bit more about Jesus and Christianity. You know what I learned? Christians are hypocrites. The same people who preached repentance and “what would Jesus do?” in the school hallways were the same people doing drugs, having premarital sex and getting drunk on the weekends.
Not very Christ-like at all.
Unintentionally, their decisions influenced me away from Christ. They had no idea the deep impact and impression their actions left on me. For the next three years I thought Christianity was nothing more than a label.
It held no eternal significance to me.
The line of cars above started with just one decision.
A decision the person thought was no biggie and only affected them. But one decision ultimately led tens of others to follow their lead.
No one is exempt from that truth.
Who are the main people you influence? Think of them by name. Your kids, your co-workers, your spouse, your fellow classmates, your friends? Heck, even all your social media followers.
Are you doing anything that could negatively impact them? Because we are all influential, it’s worth taking the time to answer that question.
How would your kids define the word “family” based on what you do when you’re together? Is there quality time happening or does everyone do their own thing? How do you treat and talk to your co-workers? Are they attracted to you because you’re kind-hearted or repelled by all your gossip? Are people unfriending you on Facebook because of your endless stream of negativity and complaining?
And, don’t forget, as Christians we influence people either toward or away from Christ.
Steward that influence wisely.
How has someone positively or negatively impacted you with their decisions or behavior?
2 replies on “The Unintentional Influence of a Parked Car”
Hi Alex,
This is Ben from CWRU. I was at Tim Varcak’s wedding last weekend and I was talking with Tim and Ian about the old Chi Alpha crew. They told me that you were in ministry now so I googled you and found this site. I like what I’ve read so far. It’s challenging and that’s something I know I need. Thanks for what you’re doing!
Ben
what’s up ben!?
how ironic you stumbled on my site and read this post. i talked about the people i met in high school influencing me away from Christ, but didn’t mention it was the old chi alpha peeps that influenced me towards Christ. the fruit of what God’s doing through me now would not have been possible without them.
glad you found me here! what are you up to nowadays?