Influence.

I’ll tell you a little about why my goal for 2012 is to be an influence. 

I think it was at this past winter retreat where God really called me and emphasized influence, and it really impacted my life and my future. Through the prayers I prayed, every topic came back on influence and that is when I knew what my goal in life is: to be an influence. No more being selfish about my relationship with Him. I have to stop being so selfish and be more open to others. I am not talking about direct evangelism but indirect evangelism. I’m not going to go up to strangers or friends and ask them if they know Christ; I’m going to do the small things: be more understanding, be kind, be more Christ-like. It’s those small things that can impact one’s life. You hear all these testimonies about life changing events and how one single event in their life altered their life completely. I can’t change one person’s life; only He can. But it’s not going to stop me from trying to. Those small things, such as opening doors for others, saying “Bless you” after a sneeze, picking up garbage for my lunch table, giving rides, helping others with homework, will help me become an influence like He was. Hopefully, those small things can impact one’s life.

“Why are you doing these things?”

“This is what He wants me to do.”

I don’t want praise. In fact, I HATE being praised. You know why? Because I heavily struggle with pride. Pride is definitely one of my biggest struggles. Praise is something I don’t want.

I’ve changed. I don’t want to become a hero; I want to be a servant.