Becoming a Positive Influence

a Biblical thought...
Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Luke 18:16-17)

a Book thought...
Spending unrushed time alone with God in His Word releases a fountain of refreshment from the very core of your being. (p52 Cordeiro)
a Dave thought...
If you want to examine the message you or your faith community may be communicating, consider these questions from Dan Kimball’s book, “They Like Jesus, but Not the Church” (Zondervan, 2007, page 113).

1. If you were to look at the sermons of your church over a period of time, would you say they are more positive or negative in tone and content?

2. What is your congregation’s attitude toward those who hold beliefs different from yours on secondary doctrinal issues? How do you talk about other denominations or Christian groups?

3. How is your church known in your community? How do you think people in your town would describe your church and the people of your church? Do they even know you exist?

4. Are there any ways your church is involved in compassion and social justice projects both locally and globally, demonstrating that the church is a positive agent for change in the world?

5. If you were to ask those you associate with daily, both inside and outside of your home, whether your talk is judgmental and negative or loving and positive, what would they say?

6. You may say that you are loving and accepting, but if someone came in to your church and began following Jesus, can you honestly say that that would be your foremost concern, not what they look like or how they dress or whether they drink or smoke or what language they use?

Just a thought.