If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you! – Jeremiah 15: 19

A few years ago, I moved to a new city, and through my roommate at the time, I stumbled upon my now beloved church.

When I joined, I was really grateful to have been assigned a sweet and caring altar counselor who helped me get acclimated.

She even scooped me up from my apartment and took me to Sunday service whenever she could.

And during our rides, I really got to see what it meant to truly fear the living God.

One morning when she came to get me, I was so upset with my roommate, that as soon as I got in her car, I immediately vented all my frustrations.

She was quiet, and she listened.

But when I was done talking, she just calmly and sweetly said, “Well, I’m not going to say anything. I’m just going to let God handle it.”

Her response may have seemed minute and perhaps insignificant to someone else, but at that moment, her unwillingness to engage with me in backbiting really gave me something to think about.

I thought, Wow, she’s not saying anything because she genuinely doesn’t want to anger God or interfere in His plans.

And just that one demonstration of Christ-like character influenced me to reevaluate my backbiting.

Instead of gossiping and slandering, I considered being more like my altar counselor who stayed quiet to let God speak.

That one exchange I had with her in that ten-minute car ride had such a wonderful, lasting influence on my spiritual development.

And we too can have that type of influence on others when we commit to being a spokesperson for God.

When we’re unashamed and serious about our faith, even the seemingly little things we do can have a profound impact on others, like:

• Openly giving honor to God
• Taking time to pray with others, not just for them
• Referencing Scripture in conversation or when giving advice
• Sharing our testimonies
• Demonstrating biblical principles in our everyday lives

People around us are always listening to us and observing us.

So when we resolve to walk out into the world with the light of Christ in our hearts every morning, we will certainly be a powerful influence on those around us.

We must be truly convicted in God’s word and completely unashamed in order to bless and influence others the way He wants us to.

Be blessed (and bless somebody else!),

Alexia

Prayer: God, give me the strength of mind and character to be your spokesperson when I’m around other people. Help me to keep your word in my heart so that when I speak, what pours out will undoubtedly prove that I am your child. Guide me so I can be a positive influence on others who do not yet know you. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.