In God's
kingdom (the church) good things can happen because of you or bad things can
happen because of you. An example of the good is that of a husband being won to
the Lord by his godly wife. (1 Peter 3:1-6) Diotrephes
is an example of what can happen because of an evil person. (3 John 9-11) What
can happen because of you?
Because of you others may chose God: Naomi's
influence was so strong that Ruth chose her God. (Ruth 1:16-18) Your influence
can cause others to choose God. Your influence can cause someone who believes
in Jesus to be stronger in the Lord.
Because of you the faith of some might be
overthrown: "But shun profane and idle babbling, for they will increase
to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying
that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of
some." (2 Timothy 2:16-18) It will be sad indeed for some to stand in
judgment having possessed saving faith themselves and
yet be guilty of over-throwing the faith of others.
Because of you others might be discouraged: The
spies, except Joshua and Caleb, discouraged the people from going into
Because of you others can be refreshed: "For
we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the
saints have been refreshed by you, brother." (Philemon 7.) In a world that
beats people down what a blessing it is to be refreshed by brethren who truly
love and care.
To be saved you must hear the gospel of Christ (Romans
By Charles Box,