Unusual Evangelism
I was listening to the radio recently and heard an interview about a book entitled Connected by James Fowler and Nicholas Christakis that discusses the impact we have on our social circle and it has on us. Interestingly, our friends’ friends’ attitude has an impact on us and we have an impact on our friends’ friends’ attitude.
It got me thinking about the Bible promises that God will bless the children of those who follow Him. I know I’ve felt that blessing in my life many times from my own parents. Now with kids of my own I get excited about the “double” blessing they can get through the prayers and life of not only their parents but also their grandparents.
Maybe God knew that when people make good choices and live a life of joy, it has an effect on more than just themselves. This concept, for me, carries some really exciting possibilities beyond my own family. I’ve started to wonder if I can almost influence my friends’ friends’ lives with a little of God’s love and joy through the happiness and joy I personally have in Christ. Just think about the ability to maybe soften people’s hearts that we don’t even know to the gospel through the witness of our own lives.
Maybe my application of the study is off, but I do think there is a strong influence each of our lives has over those around us. We affect our kids’ lives powerfully. We influence our friends’ lives and they in turn influence their friends’. I know this is idea, for me, fans even more the desire to have my life be a positive influence so hopefully I can be a witness in ways I don’t even understand. So here’s to using an unusual way of spreading the love and joy Christ beyond the scope of our personal contacts. I’m excited about the possibilities and I hope you are too.
By Rachelle Ellis, Governing Board—Finance
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