The powerful influence you can have on others

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. -  2 Timothy 4:2

When Rosina Hernandez was in college, she attended a rock concert where she witnessed a young man brutally beaten. The next day she was shocked to learn that the youth had died as a result of the pounding. Yet neither she nor anyone else did anything to help him. She could never forget the young man, nor her lack of inaction.

Some years later, Rosina saw a car driving in the rain ahead of her suddenly skid and plunge into a frosty river. The car landed head down in the water with only the tail end showing. A woman appeared on the surface shouting for help and saying her husband was stuck inside.

This time Rosina waited for no one. She plunged into the water, tried unsuccessfully to open the car door, then pounded on the back window as other bystanders stood and watched. She screamed at them, begging for help and telling them there was a man dying in the car.

First one man, then another, finally came to help. Together they broke the safety glass and dragged the man out. They were just in time—a few minutes later it would have been all over.

It was one person’s action that saved a life that night. And had Rosina done nothing, no one would have acted. In the same way, we as Christians must also act to save others from a Christ-less eternity by sharing the gospel. When we do, others will follow our example!

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to give you the initiative to lead out and introduce others to Christ.

Questions for Thought

Who first told you about Jesus Christ? Do you think you’d be where you are today if they hadn’t?

What are the names of some people you can take initiative with this week by sharing the gospel with them?