Influence, plain and simple

I was recently challenged to find what God has gifted me with to influence others.  Let me give you some context.  When I was smacked in the face with this truth bomb we were discussing leading worship.  We began to list things that happen during worship.  We come into His presence.  We create excitement.  We help to make church a fun place to be.  we have an audience of one.  We lay all things at His heavenly feet.  We lift all praise to God.  Then the comment that froze me in my tracks... we become a conduit for God so that others may be ushered into His presence.   WOAH...  Such a huge responsibility.  I sat there and marinated on that for a moment.  While I sat stunned with the truth that God was prepping my heart to hear, I was also challenged to consider what others heard or I gave off when I helped to lead worship.  Was it soothing?  Was it strength?  Was it healing? Had I ever considered what God wanted to say through my act of of worship?  Often before I worship, I whisper a prayer.  It is the same one every time.  "Lord please do not let this messenger get in the way of your message today."  I pray this because I never want to distract someone from the message meant for them.  Today, during this moment of challenge, I have been pushed to better understand worship.  It is not just about the song, the instruments or the beat of the music.  It is about being open, hands open wide, in full surrender to God.  To project and connect to others so that they can connect and project their gifts to others as well.  It is a chain reaction.  While I know that I am talking about worship, I have also began considering the impact this would have in my daily walk.  If we walk in a constant state of worship, how better would our attitude be affected when dealing with everyday life and people.  Y'all this is heavy.  I in no way have my head wrapped around this but I would challenge you to consider what God has gifted you to use for His influence.  What do you believe is a strength you possess?  What would others say about you?  More importantly, what would God say about you?  Would He be pleased with how you treat others?  Would He be pleased with what you "thought" of others?  Would He see you as someone whose eyes are firmly looking for His, constantly searching on how to be His Conduit?  I challenge you to consider these things.  Even if it is as simple as praying that God would allow you to not just be a person of speech, but a person of Action.

"But the greatest of these is Love" 1 Corinthians 13:13