As has been my pattern I purused the introduction which NavPress placed at the beginning of each new book. This one sparked an interesting thought:
Because the story of Jesus is so impressive — God among us! God speaking a language we can understand! God acting in ways that heal in help and save us! — there is a danger that we will be impressed, but only be impressed. As the spectacular dimensions of this story slowly (or suddenly) dawn upon us, we could easily become enthusiastic spectators, and then let it go at that — become admirers of Jesus, generous in our oohs and ahs, and in our better moments inspired to imitate him.
Throughout my years I'm met many people that have impressed me for a variety of reasons. Something about them prompted me to stand up and take note. To admire him or her for some feature of how he or she lives. Dedication. Organization. Genuineness of care for others. And so on...
However, on the few and far between list are those who have made an impression on me. These are folks who didn't just pass through my life intentionally or unintentionally marketing a noble quality. These are the folks who took the time and cared enough to impress upon me who they had been impressed into being.
Now this one may not be fair, but my dad is one. He spent his college years at the Citadel military college in Charleston SC. His school has a rich tradition for impressing upon cadets a noble and responsible lifestyle. The work they did in his life doubtless transfered through to the families of every cadet in some manner. In my case, it was a good impression on who I am today.
John Wyatt was a man of God who led the church we attended during worship services. But, personally, in those moments I had alone or in small groups with John, he always impressed upon me a life of worship. John fell out of bed in the morning on his knees in prayer and praise. Then, he spent the day on his knees. Though he walked on his feet, sat in a chair, or -he was on church staff you know- stood on his head. John impressed upon me a daily walk of worship.
Frank Case, Perry Floyd, and Steve Kunkle were men who impressed on me the importance of being a 2 Timothy 2:2 believer. For about 14 years I lost touch with that impression, but God has recently drawn it back to the top. During college and seminary I was taught and trained how to do church but it was the time and focus poured into me by men like Frank, Perry, and Steve (and John of course) which truly impressed upon me how a disciple of Jesus lives his daily life.
Harold McGlamery was a lay leader in the church we were a part of in Aurora, CO. Harold thank you for your passion to be an impression on my life for Jesus, not just a leader in the church. Harold cared about who I was, not just what I did as a leader in his church. He invested in me as a person and tried to be a tool used by God to smooth off rough edges (he'd tell me I was being a little wordy right now as a matter of fact).
Many have taught me along the way. Few have allowed themselves to be used by God to make an impression upon my life. How about you? Who have you allowed God to use to make an impression upon who you are? In whom are you allowing God to use you to make an impression?
Some may be called to be apostles and pastors and teachers and evangelists. But we are all called to be impressors - discipling as we go in the name of Jesus! Won't you pray and start watching for the impressionable ones whom God has placed in your path right now?
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