Recently, I crossed another birthday milestone and as I look back, I’m amazed at the number of people that I have crossed paths with over the years. Yes, I’m an evangelist and travel quite a bit, but my wife, Nancy, was a teacher for fifteen plus years prior to our getting married. I am amazed at the number of people she knows just through her association with the school where she taught. When we stop and think about it, the number of people we have the potential of influencing grows exponentially over the years no matter where we live. Many of my childhood friends, including myself, moved away from the town where we grew up, but the Internet has made it easier than ever before to keep up with old friends and family.
We’ve all been given one life to live and most of us don’t realize the number of people watching how we live our lives—me included. Jesus Christ shares with us in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Some people today have been through tremendous challenges and may not feel like there is any light left, or that they have much of a life to share with others. But, the Scriptures are clear in Psalm 139:14, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
We are all made “in the image of God,” according to Genesis 1:27, so even when life stinks God has a plan and wants you to know that you are special to Him. You are unique and that uniqueness can speak volumes to others around you when you let God have preeminence in your life. Your life is a great gift from God—not just to you, but also to those around you. So live life to the fullest—it’s worth it!
