Influence

Rich Dixon, Author/Speaker
www.relentlessgrace.com

Imagine sitting in prison. After a long struggle to accomplish a difficult mission, life nears its conclusion; your date with the executioner looms. You’re writing your last letter.

What would you write?

That was precisely Paul’s circumstance as he wrote 2 Timothy. Knowing the context, you might expect a letter filled with fear, anguish, and resentment, but instead you encounter contentment, optimism, and encouragement. In the face of imminent death, Paul wrote to his beloved apprentice about the satisfaction of completing his assigned task and crossing the finish line. Why?

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1: 13-14

 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2: 15

 

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4: 2-5

 

Paul wanted to leave a legacy. His last letter encouraged Timothy to be faithful to the gospel message and remain strong in the face of adversity. Rather than lamenting the injustice he endured, Paul focused on the work Jesus entrusted to him. Paul experienced the peace of a job well done, but he wanted his ministry to continue. He wrote to pass the torch of preaching Christ.

 

Paul knew the difference between power and influence. The world values power, but as we grasp for command we’re chained to its demands. One who seeks to maintain worldly control must constantly fight an escalating, impossible battle.

 

But Paul felt the freedom God offers to those who let go of the need for power. Paul knew that God was the true source of authority, so he was released from the constant struggle to control. He was free to focus on the truth of Jesus’ sacrifice.

 

Paul possessed little power, but he was one of the most influential men who ever lived. Prison bars and chains could confine his movements, but even the specter of execution held no power over him. Paul’s liberty was God’s gift, by grace, founded upon his relationship with Christ; he was truly free.

 

SetFreeToday isn’t about our power; it’s about God’s authority. We’re not set free only to enslave ourselves in an endless, hopeless battle for control; we’re set free to embrace Jesus’ love and reflect that love in a world that desperately needs it.

 

Love doesn’t conquer through coercion or military might or superior intellect. Love changes the world because it recognizes that authentic power rests with God and allows us to partner with the Spirit. Love appears weak by worldly standards, but it sets us free to leave a legacy and influence others in a way no army can match.