Good morning, My Dear Friends,
We owe most of the New Testament to one author, and that’s the apostle Paul. For a time, Paul had a young apprentice named John Mark. In his earlier years, Mark must have been pretty erratic and undependable, for Paul dismissed him. Paul had a friend named Barnabas, however, who saw great potential in the young man. Barnabas stayed with Mark, encouraged him, and urged him to use his talents. The day came when Mark was to write one of the most important books in history: the biography of Jesus, which is known today as the gospel of Mark. His writing is considered by many to be the cornerstone of the New Testament. Few people, however, remember the name of Barnabas.
Henry Ward Beecher once declared, “The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others.” This is true, and often the unnamed people never know what they have done. Each of us has influence on someone or something. Five of the greatest physicists in the world came from the same little town in Germany. Someone traced the record and discovered a high school physics teacher who caught the imagination of the five men when they were teenagers. Beecher was right. All of us touch someone. We can’t help it.
The startling thing about it is that we do not always know the far-reaching impact of our lives. There are no insignificant people. What we do and say touches someone directly or indirectly. Sometimes a small word or deed can have a profound effect on the world. The next time life seems rather useless to you, try remembering that.
Tomorrow’s harvests come from today’s seeds. You may be sowing one now that could ultimately make the world a different place.
Who are the people who have guided and directed your steps?
Bruce Jones, Pastor
Imagine Church
