Living for Impact

The word Impact is defined as "the striking of one thing against another; or to influence or effect." Do you ever look at your life or your church and wonder what kind of impact you are really having? I find myself thinking about the impact of my life. Have I lived in such a way that my life has impacted the world for God's glory? I truly believe that God has designed our lives for a collision course with the world, in order that we might make much of Jesus.

Jesus explained it this way in Matthew 5:13–16 (NASB95), “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

What I find interesting about this verse is that salt and light are objects of impact. Salt impacts our taste buds when it is applied to our food. Food without salt is bland and repulsive! In a room without light a small candle impacts the darkness and brightens up the room!

The problem with our lives is that we are so mediocre that we blend into the world that we are called to impact! We live as though this world is our home and eternity is an afterthought! We give God our left over time, talent, and treasures! By our lives we deny the profession that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord! How can we honestly say that Jesus is Lord when we love everything more than we love Him! Jesus said, “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine” (Matthew 10:37 (NLT))

It is my prayer that I will enjoy the grace of God so much that I cannot help but extend His extravagant glory to everyone that I come into contact with!