Influence

I've spent the better part of the last two days in different court rooms listening to the stories and struggles of complete strangers. People who are hurting, lost, broken, abused, rejected, confused and at the bottom of their rope. You may be wondering, why would I spend time sitting in a court room for the last couple of days? Simply, there was a family in need. So, along with some key people from their community group, I went to support and encourage where I could.

In every case, without exception, someone had to influence their behavior somehow. Whether it was spoken or modeled or challenged, someone was influenced to make a choice, albeit a bad one.

In one courtroom, 100% of the cases presented in almost 2 1/2 hours were drug and/or alcohol related.

What has happened to our society? Who taught these folks that this was an acceptable choice? In most of these cases, there were kids in the picture. What kind of picture are these folks painting for their kids? Please understand me - I am NOT JUDGING! I am hurting for these families that are now shattered and forever scared. Families that are in need of the love and grace of Christ!

The even bigger question in my mind that I can't get rid of now is where is the church in all of this? What should our role be? How can we best impact the culture around us? Is God showing this to us, in greater detail, so we can begin to get equipped for a greater thing?

Makes me wonder.

Leaders, what are you 'teaching' your followers in how you lead? Does your life reflect the truth of who you follow? Great leaders were at one time great followers. Have you modeled this for your team? How well do you follow the senior leadership of your church in public and in private?

If we're going to make a difference, then we have to be different. Proverbs 2:1-5 is all about letting God influence our lives. How will this verse impact you and your ministry?

Just sharing some messed up thoughts on a blessed and messed up day!