I’m reading through I Corinthians – a gifted church but often a carnal church. Congregants were taking sides behind leaders Apollos and Paul – they were separating into factions behind their favourite pastor. It drove Paul crazy as these people took their eyes off of the One who leads the church and instead put them on servants of the One. You can see why they might have sided this way, because one of those leaders had influenced them deeply.
Each of us is a composite of influencers in our lives. “All of our lives have someone’s fingerprints on them” Richard North Patterson.
Don’t we all have this kind of spiritual background? People along the way who have influenced us for good? My favourite professor in bible college (I have included his 2015 obituary here) was Albert Cramer. He was funny, thorough, approachable and devout. He was also a Montana farmer who slept in his Regina office through the school week and then headed home to farm each weekend. What a sacrifice!
Carol and I have the opportunity to head to the sun for a while in the winter, and while there we sit under the ministry of a wonderful pastor. I look forward to his teaching as a highlight of our time.
Recently we had the chance to be at Kamloops Alliance for the weekend to see our son Chris and his family. Chris preached on the Sunday morning – he was powerful – I took notes the whole time and thanked God I could be there!
Each of us is a composite of influencers in our lives. “All of our lives have someone’s fingerprints on them” Richard North Patterson. Paul reminded this church in Corinth that both he and Apollos were simply God’s agents to bring them to the faith (3:5).
So today is just a little reminder that there is very little that is original to you –you are who you are spiritually because of some wonderful people who poured into you along the way. If they are living, why not call them or send a note to thank them. If they are gone, thank the Lord for their influence on you.
Today is also a little reminder that you are to be pouring into others too. Who are you being strategic with in prayer, time and use of your gifts?
This is an older song but a good reminder that we are influenced – and we are influencers!
Pastor Leon Throness
