Tuesday, January 23, 2007

In Other Words: Influencing the Lost


"You act more like a Christian by your influence on the lost,
than the saved people you impress"
~ Dr. Alvin Reid ~

It's simple, really. It's why we're still here. What were we created for, exactly? According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and worded so well by John Piper, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." But, we can do that in heaven. If that's all He wanted us to do He could take us all home right now. Are we created to praise Him? Again, we could do that in the heavenlies. (And will! I can't wait!) Fellowship with other believers? We will enjoy that for eternity in heaven as well. The one and only reason we are still on this earth at this very moment is to "influence the lost." Every other purpose for our existence could (and will) be realized in heaven. I will spend eternity being impressed by other saved people, no doubt. Corrie Ten Boom, Jim and Betty Elliot, Joseph, Amy Carmichael, Apostle Paul and Adoniram Judson, among countless others come to mind. It's not wrong to be impressed by the saved, but it's not what we're here for and there's time for that (in the proper perspective) later. The one thing (for which we were created) that we can't and won't do in heaven is influence the lost. The time for that is now.


To read more thoughts from In Other Words participants, visit Laurel Wreath.

Thanks for hosting us today, Laurel!

10 comments:

Amydeanne said...

Where is our focus? what an important concept to get down!
nice post!

Terri | Sugar Free Glow said...

Great post, I agree 100%!

Thanks for sharing!

Blessings~

Especially Heather said...

The one thing (for which we were created) that we can't and won't do in heaven is influence the lost. The time for that is now.

The time is now, and I pray every day that my walk with my savior is an influence to those around me who do not have a personal relationship with Him. I fail, and fall short many times- but thankfully he guides me back onto the road of redemption.

He is truly amazing, isn't He!
Heather

Linda said...

That is so true Cyndi. I have realized lately that I need to have more of a heart for those who are lost. It is so easy to get caught up in my own isolated little world.

Heather said...

Perfect and so true. Awesome post!

Taya @ Delightful! said...

What a great post! Thanks for putting that perspective on our life! Thanks for sharing!
Bless you

Julie said...

Thanks for the reminder of what our true task is meant to be. I am so glad it is not really all the laundry that is waiting for me right now (lol).

eph2810 said...

Incredible post, Cyndi. I guess that is why we are still here. Some days I really long to be finally home, but I guess I am not done with the things He wants me to do. I just wish I had a better understanding of His plan...

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this week's IOW quote.

Blessings to you and yours.

Denise said...

This was really straight to the point, thank you.

Becky said...

"The one and only reason we are still on this earth at this very moment is to influence the lost." Well put! Thanks for a great post!