Yesterday I wrote about a missionary practicing 2 Timothy 2.2 closing with this principle:

2 Timothy 2:2…

• It’s so easy anyone CAN do it, even lay people.
• It’s so important, everyone MUST do it, even pastors and missionaries!

Right after I scheduled it, I received a nice piece from friends and Navigator colleagues Terry and Leah Green, who now live in New Mexico. The title “You Are a POI” got my attention. When I was developing training programs in the Air Force, “POI” stood for “Plan of Instruction.” But they meant something different, of course. Here’s the article in its entirety:

#1 You are a Person of Interest ~

“For God so loved you that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

#2 You are a Person of Influence ~

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I (Jesus) have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Regardless of how we describe our ministries, this is the eternal purpose we have all been called to:

• to be a witness to our personal trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord

• and to help others grow in the faith so they may be an influence for the Kingdom

How this is done varies with personalities, locations, opportunities, age, etc. but it is not a complicated responsibility. As we find ourselves in the “elderly” group now, we reflect on the number of people we have been able to share with and have a peace in knowing that any influence that has happened is only what God has done – maybe in a brief encounter or over time as we have trusted God to make our lives fruitful in the relationships we are blessed to have.

May we not use our earthly measuring stick to determine our value as “influencers” ~ the truth is, we all have influence! Our focus must be on the One who has designed us to make a difference as His image-bearer.

The more time we give to “knowing” Him, the more we have to offer others ~ He decides how He will use us. – Terry and Leah Green

A good word. I especially like “…it is not a complicated responsibility.”

And a reminder that it’s our job “to help others grow in the faith so THEY may be an influence for the kingdom.” I was talking with a fellow a few days ago who, despite YEARS of discipleship training from The Navigators and others, wasn’t actively helping anyone. He was thinking about “What sort of discipleship ministry I might have when I retire two or three years from now.” I challenged him:

You don’t have “two or three years from now.” All you have is NOW.

And when he protested that he was working very hard and was very tired, I responded: “I get that you need to take care of yourself. However…”

Can you give one guy one hour once/week?

Thankfully, he took the challenge and before the day was out had invited a guy to do bible study with him on Saturdays.

We are people of interest. God loves us. We are also people of influence. God wants to use us where we are.

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2.2, NIV)

Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. (1 Corinthians 7.17, MSG)