“What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” (Luke 13:20-21 NLT)
You were made for influence. Not many people know that. They envision a Christianity that is eventually saturated with worldly influences and rendered ineffective before Jesus returns. It’s a defeatist perspective, and one that doesn’t accurately reflect the biblical story or the heart of God. And it becomes an excuse for living powerless, ineffective lives.
The truth is that the kingdom of God is always increasing (Isaiah 9:7 NKJV). His people are in training to rule with him (Revelation 3:21, 5:10)—not in the spirit today’s rulers rule, but with grace and integrity and love. The King’s servants are sent into the world to represent the nature of the King and to influence its ways. We are called to overcome obstacles and transform lives, families, communities, organizations, and systems. We are to become pictures of the goodness of God.
That goes far beyond evangelism (in the traditional sense) and mercy ministries (also in the traditional sense), both of which are good but not the whole picture. It makes us bearers of good news, good ways, and good works. It makes us reflections of God’s desire to bless—not only those who love him, but everyone. After all, it’s his kindness that leads people to him (Romans 2:4). Despite its objections, the world is hungering for that kindness.
Make that your mission. You are called to infiltrate your world with the kindness of God and the beauty of his ways. Bless people. Offer his solutions. Become a gateway into the kingdom. Embrace the influence you’ve been given.
