Paul said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul had a goal and he pursued it with intensity. He was not distracted by anything along the path to that goal. His goal was based solely on his life purpose. He knew the reward for being faithful to God’s purpose for his life would be great. He stayed focused on God’s purpose for him and how to fulfill it.
One quality I see in Paul, which appears to be universal, is his recognition of the power of his influence. For years I underestimated the power of influence. I disqualified myself because I knew my weaknesses. I believed in God’s power to do anything. But I did not believe that he would do much of anything through me. I learned that he wants very much to do everything in his purpose through us if we will believe and cooperate.
YOU have influence over your spouse, children and friends. If you underestimate that influence you will reduce it to the size of your ability. You will miss God’s power to work through you. Indications that you are maximizing your influence are things like this: you are admired by those closest to you, your spouse or parents take you seriously when you talk to them, your children listen and engage with you in a meaningful way, people in your circle of relationships value your advice, and your life produces a general positive impact on those around you. This influence you have should be cultivated. Give yourself in loving service to those connected to you and watch your influence grow. To the degree that you are viewed as self serving, your influence will diminish.
Jesus came to influence us to God and provide the way. He now sends us to do his work in bringing his Kingdom rule over everybody in our reach and in the place where we live. We are to use our influence for good. Do you? Will you? Paul pressed toward the goal of God’s prize for him. Do you? Will you? Make up your mind to be a positive influence on everyone around you and Jesus will be pleased. So will you. Maximize Your Influence!