“We are not who we say we are, we’re not who we want to be – we are the sum of the influence and impact that we have, in our lives, on others.” – Carl Sagan

“Your impact on others is the only proof of your existence.” – Silje Akselberg Iversen

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Oscar Wilde

“This is my commandment, that you love one another even as I have loved you.” – Jesus speaking in John 15.:12

One of the greatest battlefronts we face in the war against evil is waged within our self-concept.  Through false messages, distorted realities, and twisted logic our individual value is constantly under attack.  Repeated attacks can instigate thoughts of doubt and personal insignificance.  If evil can convince us that our individual actions are inconsequential and their value minuscule, we can easily become dormant and inactive – failing to make a difference in the lives of our friends, loved ones, and associates.  

 Have you ever caught yourself immersed in these kinds of thoughts?

“Will it really matter if I get involved?”

“Will my individual effort make a big difference in the final outcome?”

“Does anyone really care what I say or how I act?”

But when you really think about it, our lives are truly measured by the influence and impact we have on others as Carl Sagan suggests.  If a person lived their entire life selfishly consumed with self-gratification and self-importance, what mark would they leave on this world?  Would anyone know they even existed as Iversen states above?  

Evil is hard at work in our lives – making us believe that our actions aren’t noticed by others, our words have little significance, and our impact on family, friends, and loved ones is trivial at best.  It wants fathers and mothers to believe they have minimal effect on their children.  It wants to breed superficial friendships and relationships that don’t go too deep.  It wants you to doubt your words or actions have any effect on the outcome.  It longs for you to underestimate your impact – causing you to apathetically sit on the sidelines as the game of life plays on.

This Christmas season, embrace your power to make a difference!  Be aware of the little gestures that send loud messages, the tiny actions that can move mountains in the lives of the ones you love, and the listening ear that compassionately shows others how important they are.  Doing so will invite God into your life – allowing Him to work through you in ways you could never imagine.

See the power behind carefully listening to your children or reaching out to hold the hand of your spouse.  Tell a friend how much they mean to you or let the employee at your favorite store know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. These small, remedial behaviors can strengthen families, reinforce friendships, and make communities better places to live.

Resist the urge to live life intrinsically – focusing only on your own inner needs and existence.  Instead, take the time each day to reach out – never underestimating the impact you can have on others.

Don’t let evil convince you that your actions need to be grandiose in nature.  See the tremendous value in all the little actions and gestures you make each day.  Believe that words could make a difference beyond anything you could imagine.

“I love you.” 

“I believe in you.” 

“How can I help?”

“I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“You make such a difference here by all you do!  I hope you realize how truly valuable you are to all of us!”

“You can do it! I know you can!”

“Your friendship means the world to me.”

Never underestimate the impact you can have by uttering phrases like this 😊

“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” – Proverbs 16:24 NLT

“The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.” – Proverbs 18:4 CSB

“You can change your world by changing your words.  Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue.” – Joel Osteen

A loving glance, a friendly smile, a warm embrace, or looking someone in the eye when they speak – these small gestures should never be taken for granted or ignored.  Their impact can be life-changing!

“Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So, use your gift well!”  – 1 Peter 4:10 CEV

“Serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13 NIV

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey

“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.” – Proverbs 3:3 NLT

My prayer for you tonight is that you never underestimate the impact you can make in this world.  May God enlighten you to all the little things that make a huge difference.  😊

Merry Christmas my friends!