1.18.12 "Stewardship of Influence"

"Stewardship of Influence"

Genesis 39:1-41:16
Matthew 12:46-13:23
Psalm 17:1-15
Proverbs 3:33-35

The "A" of DREAM is: Active Ministry Involvement. It's easy to think that if you're signed up for a couple of groups, or are busy with "stuff" that you've got that covered, but healthy Active Ministry Involvement means much more than signing up for an activity to take part in. This element of the DREAM is driven by the principle of Responsibility. Responsibility or stewardship must apply to every area of our life. In the same way we can't be living a "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" when we pick & choose what to obey, we can't be living the principles of Active Ministry Involvement when we only apply stewardship to certain areas of our life.

I think that too often we don't realize the significance of our influence. No matter what our personality style is, we effect someone. Someone is in our "circle of influence". Someone is watching.

Jesus says, "A tree is identified by its fruit. A tree from a select variety produces good fruit; poor varieties don't. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For a man's heart determines his speech. A good man's speech reveals the rich treasures within him. An evil-hearted man is filled with venom, and his speech reveals it. And I tell you this, that you must give account on judgment Day for every idle word you speak. Your words now reflect your fate then: either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:33-37)

I don't know how that strikes you, but for me it shines light on the weight of responsibility we have. God has given me this life. What have I done with it? Have I taken the resources he's given me and produced fruit of complaining, foul language, selfishness, division or pride? Or how does my fruit bring glory to God?

What's going on in my heart? It's reflected in every conversation I have throughout the day. It's very easy to be relaxed and loose with talk and say whatever you feel like saying. We cut ourselves so much slack because we're sure everyone assumes the best about us. "Surely they know what I mean to say."

If you're surrounded by offended people, you can't just check it off as "I'm just misunderstood" and go on your way. We are accountable for our words.

Our number one priority must be to have hearts that have been refined in the fire of God's presence. This is the "fertilizer" that will bring about the fruit of a Godly life. We must then make sure that we are good stewards of our influence. Throwing around words casually is as foolish as throwing money out the window. It's poor stewardship.

This applies to actions as well. We can too easily justify things we do as "ok". We forget the impact that has on other people. We are called to be good stewards of all the resources God has given us. To live the DREAM, we must be good stewards of our influence as well.

Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ