Influence

“…For we are members of one another.” (Eph. 4:25, NKJV)

“So we, though we are a number of persons, are one body in Christ, and are dependent on one another.” (Rom. 12:5, BBE)

The other day, I was about to start my workout routine. As a first step in that direction, I added small clips to my hair to keep it out of my face. Although I had done nothing else in preparation, my youngest daughter was onto me. “Mommy, are you going to exercise?” Lily’s sweet voice piped up. “How did you know, sweetie?” I asked. She pointed, smiling, at the clips.

I beamed back at my sharp little girl. This exchange with her was a fresh reminder of what close observation I am always under as a mom. Additionally, it provoked reflection on the general principle touching all of our lives: there are eyes on each of us, all the time. As a result, we are continually impacting those around us.

Even actions that seem inconsequential can make, or break, someone else’s day. Just yesterday, a friend gratefully described a recent moment when a drive-through cashier made the effort to compliment her. Being told she was beautiful brightened her afternoon so much, she was still thinking about it hours afterwards.

God created us to be influenced by each other. “We are members of one another” (Eph. 4:25). This means that, as Christ’s body, we have connective tissue running between us in spirit. Though it is not physical, it is incredibly real. We are inseparably joined together. We belong to each other. Our creation design is to be dependent on each other, to need each other, and to be powerfully impacted by one another.

Holy Spirit will train us to appreciate and even cherish this interconnectivity. At the same time, He will teach us to recognize the propensity in others to be influenced by everything we say and do. In His unsearchable wisdom, He has strategically placed specific people in our lives. He loves these people very deeply. Let’s carefully cultivate awareness of how our words and actions are constantly impacting their thoughts, emotions, and even decisions. We are all leading, every day!

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Have you ever had an unexpected reminder that your life is being observed by others?