Impact is defined as strking one thing with another; influence, effect, the force exerted by a new idea. Impact is difference.
Steve Jobs famously said, “We want to put a dent in the universe.”
As someone who believes that Jesus is who He claimed to be, it follows that I would believe the Bible. The Bible has quite a bit to say about our impact. Some of the verses that inform my idea of impact include:
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.
Matthew 28:18-20 All authority on heaven and earth has been granted to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all men baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; teaching them to do all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
So I’ve been wondering about my impact as a believer. How am I doing laying up treasure in heaven? When I get to heaven, will I have done the best I could? Certainly not. I’m aware of too many times when I could have made a more positive difference. I’m aware of more times I could have gone to the trouble to serve someone, or sacrifice something in the hope that I was doing something to glorify Christ.
So for the next few months on this blog, I’m going to share my thoughts on my relationship with Christ, what I learn about Him and what I think He’s telling me to do. At the core is my understanding of that Great Commandment from Matthew 28. Jesus has all authority. I’m to go, and make disciples. Where and to whom do I go? How do I make disciples? Must I look like a preacher? Must I be on staff with a church? Must I quit my job? Do I stand on the street corner and shout? Do I sell all of my possessions and move to some foreign country?
What type of impact am I to have? Do I make good use of the resources God’s provided? Or do I fall short?
My goal is to produce a series of articles that may become some shared learning on how at least one Christian in the workplace can make an eternal difference.
Note: Maybe you’re certain that my assumption that I’m going to heaven is arrogant. That thought is not based on my opinion, but on some clearly stated things in the Bible and I’d be happy to share that with you. Simply leave a comment below and I can explain further.
Photo © frenta – Fotolia.com
Mike Henry Sr. 
I stumbled across this and after reading this, I’m excited to read what will follow.
The world has both Good and Evil. In the book of Ephesians 6:12 is says: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. There is a WAR raging around us and when we fall short on our walk we have to recognize the powers of influence. The Devil is known in the Bible has the God of this World and it could also be translated as the God of this Age. Often evil influence is around us and we need to recognize it, claim (freedom of will act) the son ship rights of God through Jesus Christ and know there is a WAR waging around us.
I ask myself why does God allow it to continue and when will he bring an end to the evil that influences us. I always come back that he is a loving God that is full of mercy and grace for allowing us to have freedom of will. With that there must be many more that he knows will believe and be with him when he restores his Kingdom back on Earth, like he did when he created the original Paradise for Adam and Eve. Jesus Christ gave many teachings on The Kingdom and even showed how we should pray for it:
Matthew 6:
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Again I look forward to your blog posts.
God Bless!
Bud
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Bud, thanks for the great comment and the encouragement. Mike…
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Alex, thanks for the comment. I’m also energized and comforted by the power of God to work through the efforts and prayers of people. That’s part of what makes me want to be more purposeful. Thanks again. Mike…
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Mike,
This is a commendable ministry by itself. Mindful, prayerful intent has all manner of unforeseen, and perhaps unknowable impact. To know and see the direct impact of a ministry is gratifying. To wonder if you’re making a difference is human. I often think of, and am comforted by the work taking place in monastic life, especially the powerful work of prayer by strangers for strangers. Yours in Christ,
Alex
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