Influence

          There was a time when our faith was irresistible. That’s the title of a book my friend, Dave, just sent me… Irresistible. He tells me it changed his life. I haven’t read it yet, but the title catches my heart because I know it is true. There was a time when our faith, following Jesus, was irresistible to others. That’s because it had the power of influence that grew out of the church’s actions. That influence moved others to get closer and to explore this God who, it turned out, loved them instead of wanting to dominate them.

          Recently, our Supreme Court chose to send the issue of abortion back to the states to allow the voice of the voters in those states to determine its usage. This has happened with a great amount of rejoicing by some who look on abortion as killing children, and with great woe to people who look on it as healthcare. Both sides are filled with humans who know they are right.

          As people who follow Jesus, we may discover that this reduces or even erases the possibility of influence. When people are demanded to live a certain way, those who make the demand no longer speak with the power of God. Personal power is claimed within the demand and others are forced to bow to that perspective.

          When Christians first grew into having an impact on the prevailing culture of the Roman Empire, they began by helping the poor, by creating hostiles for those who were sick or dying, and by saving babies that were thrown away. They had no power, except the power of the influence experienced from their actions, demonstrating powerfully how assured they were that everyone was important to God. As we watch whatever happens in response to the new laws, we must realize as a church of Jesus that Christians are identified now as the proponents of control, regardless of our personal opinions or positions. We can no longer easily claim that we love others, will walk with them through whatever they face and bring care that exemplifies Christ’s love. Regaining influence will be a deep challenge.