Campus CrossWalk Magazine: 2005 Summer Issue -- Illusions of Influence

Sometimes I think to myself, “If only I had a million dollars or If only I were a rock-star, then I’d be able to help so many more people.”

God has called us to be the salt of the earth. He has called us to be the difference in the darkness. God has also allowed the rich to become rich and the poor to become poor and that is one of the mysteries of God. He allows economic inequality to exist. However, you only have what God has entrusted to you and God wants the best of whatever you have. Everything I own is His to begin with. Being stewards of His wealth is part of the Christian journey.

There are certain people God has allowed to make a great difference in the public entertainment world. Bono, front-man for U2, has done a great deal to raise awareness and support for a mission against AIDS in Africa. He has rallied support from other celebrities and donated much of his time and money to the cause. I applaud what God has done through Bono. Other mainstream stars have also made an effort to contribute to humanity and raise the quality of life for those that are less fortunate.

That’s great. But, unlike Bono or Switchfoot, I lack the same means they have available. I’m not in the public eye, I’m no star, and I don’t have tremendous monetary riches. I do, however, have the “saltiness” of the Spirit of God. The light of God has captured me and won’t let me go.

This is where it all starts. Making a difference in this world, a real difference, comes from being Spirit-filled. This is no illusion, this is the Truth. (Yes, I dare to use the capital “T”)

As stated above, God allows some people to possess more wealth than others and this leaves Christians with a great opportunity. When we share with those in need, we share with Christ and we show them Christ.

God has given us all various ways to be influential in life. For one it may be monetary wealth, for another encouragement, and still another athletic prowess or physical strength. Whatever it is that God has entrusted to you, He expects that very thing to be used for His glory through service to others.

The Spirit of God is rich and alive in the Lord’s church today. Let’s not douse the Spirit’s fire that burns in our hearts with doubts of inadequate fame or funds. Everything we need to serve God, He has already given us. And let’s not forget, those who are faithful with little will be given much.

Don’t focus on the act of making a difference in this world, as much as being the difference in this world. Be constantly looking for a way to be light and salt. If you ask God, He’ll show you by His Spirit.

Father, we ask that you fill us with your breath and let us breathe out whatever may be unpleasing to you. Show us how to live and lead us into the places you’d want your Spirit to reside. Be our shield and protector against all evil and let only good come from our hearts. Transform your people and give us the gift of faith. We want to serve you, Lord. Please continue to provide us with the basics for survival and show us how to live beyond the worries of life’s necessities. Let us live by your Spirit alone. It is in the name of Jesus Christ who paid our debt in full that we pray. Amen.

: For a related article, go to "Influence is a Gift; Use it!"

Micah Foster just graduated from Pepperdine University with a B.A. in Religion and a minor Creative Writing. He is the part-time youth minister at Camarillo Church of Christ and is getting married to Erica Solberg on August 13th.