The last line of yesterday’s post…
“Your greatest impact may be helping someone develop into who God wants them to be.”
While I believe that statement, I meant it for you, not for me.
I’ve been a Twitter nerd for two years and approaching my 5,000th tweet. My Twitter habits are quoting, (or ‘re-Tweeting’) brilliant quotes, writing humorous observations and occasionally I get convicted and share it. When convicted, I share with others so I won’t have to go it alone. Seriously, it’s more about sharing what God is pressing into my heart so maybe others can learn and avoid the lapses in wisdom I’ve had. Like preventative medicine.
Today I shared an observation about selfishness.
“Selfish people eventually get what they want. Themselves. Time erodes relationships and they’re left alone.”
Soon after I heard from my ‘Digi-friend’, Chris. I’ve never met Chris. We somehow bumped into each other on Twitter and follow each other. Though we don’t know each other, Chris has prayed for my dad as he battles cancer. I’ve returned the favor by praying for some of his requests too; A positive of social media among believers.
Chris took the quote about selfishness and re-tweeted it. After some conversation he shared this with me…
“Thank U, in the short time after I RT your post I set a plan in motion to give $400 of my selfishness back to God and others.”
I read Chris’s blog which explains in detail how he plans to give of himself to God and others. Click here and read his post. I was blown away and moved. My first response was “Praise God.” The way God convicted Chris from a tweet and money going to bigger things really made it my most “valuable” tweet ever.
Obviously this follows yesterday’s post that we never know who is watching and the impact of our actions. But the blessing of “MODELING” is the reciprocal influence. I’m not impressed with my statement on Twitter. But I am impressed with Chris. I’m blown away how God used something in his life to convict him in such a way that makes a difference in his life, his walk with God, and the lives of others.
I need Chris’ example. I spend too much time contemplating next steps and time passes quickly. I think of dreams and convictions in my life and should be further down the road, but I spent too much time thinking of the steps instead of taking the steps.
I made a move on Twitter. God made a move in Chris’ heart. Chris is making a move in his life for better impact. Chris’ example is challenging me to make moves in my life for better impact. We all need each other. Most importantly, we need to see God at the center moving our hearts to where He wants us to be.
Three quick lessons…
- Be ready for God to use your smallest actions for impact in someone’s life.
- Be ready for God to challenge you by the actions of others.
- Be attentive to the mutual impact we all have on each other’s lives.
Chris, next time I’m in ATL, let’s head to Waffle House. To the rest of you, pay attention. God is speaking to you or through you for better impact.
A few questions for your weekend
- When is a time God used something small in your life to impact someone?
- Who has God used in your life to impact you and call you to action?
- Who are the “iron sharpening iron” people in your life?
Have a great weekend. The blog rolls on, so be back Monday. And bring friends.
I love this. I think that it can be easy to take credit for ourselves when something we say or do sparks a positive reaction, but it is so important that we recognize how every good thing comes from God, not from us. It is God in us that works to change both our hearts and the hearts of others.
Great blog, O.
Hey Jess. Thanks for reading. I’ve always loved Philippians 2:13…”It’s God at work IN you, to will and to act according to HIS purpose.” God does bigger things than we can imagine to work His plan in all of our lives. So cool.