Changing the World, One Action at a Time: The Power of Influence

I had a so-so evening last night. But when I got home, I found a positive email from a friend waiting for me, and my wife had a delicious supper ready. Within minutes, my mood shifted. What started as a so-so evening turned into a much more pleasant one as I stood by the fire, eating ice cream, and reflecting on how small acts of kindness can have such a big impact.

This made me realize something: if an email from a friend and a simple meal with my wife can affect me in such a positive way, then surely, what I do can affect others as well.

Take Daniel from the Old Testament, for example. When he was in captivity, Daniel stood up for his beliefs. He and his three friends were ordered to eat the King’s food, but it went against their religious beliefs. Daniel spoke up, made a respectful request, and eventually, he and his friends were allowed to eat food that aligned with their faith.

What Daniel did didn’t change the world, but it did make a difference in the lives of those around him. His actions affected others in his immediate circle, even though they may not have had a global impact.

The lesson here is clear: while I may not be able to change the entire world, I can certainly affect the people in my world. And because of that, I need to be mindful of what I do and say, knowing that it has the potential to influence others in ways I might not even realize.

Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."