Dr René Padilla, Jim Wallis and Ami
For better or worse, a myriad messages fight to influence us every day. Before getting into college or work in the morning, you’ve probably been bombarded by radio and TV ads, giant billboards and ads on the sides of buses. Influence with ulterior motive.
We need influence – or our lives would remain static. But what should be influencing us, and how do we make sure we’re influenced by positive voices?
Pass it on
Jim Wallis, author, theologian, preacher, speaker and activist, finds inspiration from his ‘cloud of witnesses’. He says, ‘I think we have plenty of examples of people who put faith into action and now it’s our turn to become one of those – I call it ‘cloud of witnesses’, that wonderful image from Hebrews. I have all these pictures in my study at home: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King Jr, Desmond Tutu and Dorothy Day of the Catholic worker movement from my country – so many people who have influenced me.’
Tearfund’s International President, Dr René Padilla, says, ‘I have been very, very inspired by people in the past like John Wesley. I’ve been reading lately some of his works on slavery. I mean it’s really amazing how he could preach the gospel but at the same time denounce the abuse of power in relation to slavery, or call wealthy people to accept that the wealth they had was not theirs; that they were responsible as stewards to share their wealth with the poor.’
Unexpected
From these quotes, it seems that people who live their lives in tune with the gospel have huge influence over us. Which begs the question – how many people, now or in the future, are likely to list you as one of their influences? And what might you influence them to do or be, and how?
Life would be so much easier if Jesus’ example had involved sticking our heads in the sand and hiding our lights under bushels.
I Cor: 22
Think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no-one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Do these verses suggest we might find influence in some unexpected places, that we should be looking to the underside of society to find God at work and get our inspiration?
More
‘Ami was sold into prostitution and abused by nearly everyone she knew. Now she is living in a halfway home for girls rescued from prostitution. Despite her past, she has forgiven those who abused her and now wants to bring hope to other girls who have similar backgrounds. I met her when I went to see the work of Oasis India in Mumbai earlier this year. She inspired me so much I’m going back to volunteer with Oasis India for six months. I may send a virtual postcard or two from India!’ Joy Andrew, Editor of twelve. Click here to read Ami’s story.