Everything in life works by certain principles, and these principles must be adhered to if we want to see results. A child who sits for a mathematics examination without applying the correct formula will only fail to achieve the desired grades after sitting to write the exams. Likewise, when we walk with the Lord and fail to apply the biblical principles that we need, we can’t see our desired results. God is only going to bless what we commit to Him in the way and manner that we are expected to do it.
Psalms 112:9 NLT
“They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.”
Jesus Christ came to the world, leaving his glory and lived here on Earth as an ordinary man, with the vision of dying for the sin of mankind. He had no sin, He committed no crime, He did not even take another man’s wife, but He was crucified like a criminal. Now He is seated on the throne with the Father advocating for us. The glory came after He gave His life as a ransom in propitiation of our sins. Jesus lived as the most influential Character of all time. It was because He came and lived sacrificially. To open the door of influence and honour, we need to be able to offer what it takes. Jesus Christ gave His life, and He lived a purposeful life, and now He has the name that is above every other name. At the mention of the name of Jesus, the Bible says every knee shall bow.
“8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:8-11).
Charlie Kirk was a man who was given to talking about the salvation of mankind through accepting Jesus as one’s Lord and Saviour. He spoke about many things that the world does not like to hear, but he was all out to reach his generation for Jesus. That was the sacrificial life that he lived until he was brutally murdered while doing what he knew best to do. At the age of 31, he had so much influence in his generation, and many people honoured him while he was on earth and even after he was murdered. Today, many people who had never been to church have decided to accept because of the impact of 31-year-old Charlie, who lived a life of true sacrifice.
Likewise, David was writing about those who give generously to those in need. Some versions say those who give to the poor will be remembered forever. He further mentioned that they will have influence and honour. Which means the principle of giving to the poor is a major key to the door of influence and honour. You don’t have to go about fighting or desperately seeking to be influential. What you do is to give substance, money, resources, offer help and give yourself. When we give, we gain honour and influence not only over the people that we are giving to, but over everyone that is within that territory. Because word of mouth has significant power to change people’s perception of us and to shape how we invite people to begin a relationship with Jesus.
Instead of doing extra hours or fighting to gain influence and honour, we only need to identify the needs around us and meet these needs. We want to become an answer to someone’s question. A consistent approach of giving and serving others will certainly lead to gaining honour and influence in our world. Jesus Christ is then glorified when we gain honour and influence for Kingdom purposes, because every believer is a light; our light must shine so that the glory goes to the Father.
“14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
