From the Pastor                  Influence vs. Power

Between now and January 20, the president-elect does not have any power… but Barack Obama does have an extraordinary amount of influence.  Actually, he has so much influence it is as if he is in power already since everyone is paying close attention to every statement and decision he is making.

Pastors and staff leaders of congregational churches (such as Baptist) don’t have power… only influence.  You don’t boss Baptists around, at least not real Baptists.  They are too independent-minded and think and act for themselves.  No problem there: since we agree on our gospel goals we like to cooperate, and listen to each other, and work together!

Come to think of it, even Jesus doesn’t have power right now.  He has influence over the lives of men and women who trust Him enough to follow His directives. -- Someday He will have power!  But not yet.  Someday everything will conform to His ideals: no if’s, and’s, or but’s.  Until then, Jesus invites, encourages, attracts, and draws us to follow… because we don’t have to if we don’t want to.

We have no power to tell the world what to do.  But according to Jesus, we have influence: “So let your light so shine before (people) that they may see your good works and praise your Father in Heaven.” – Matt. 5:16

So get out there and use every bit of that powerful influence you have today!

                                                 In His love,
                                                       Lee