Several weeks ago, a journey began under the theme Back to the Future, focused on where we are headed—both collectively and individually. Along the way, we reflected on the past and recognized how richly God has blessed His people, and we looked ahead with confidence, trusting that the future holds even greater purpose and opportunity.
God’s faithfulness in the past gives us confidence in what lies ahead. The future is not random or accidental. God has a plan. He desires for people to start well, stay on course, and live rightly so that the future He has designed can unfold as intended.
Part of that future includes understanding what Scripture teaches about what is still to come. We are living in what the Bible describes as the church age—the age of grace. Scripture points to a coming rapture when believers will be gathered to Christ, followed by a time of tribulation, and ultimately the return of Jesus to establish His millennial reign on the earth. For those who are looking for His return, the Bible makes it clear: the future is bright.
But beyond prophetic events and timelines, there is another future that deserves attention—the future shaped by personal influence. Every life leaves a mark. Every choice matters. Some live under the illusion that their attitudes, words, and decisions affect no one but themselves. That simply isn’t true.
Every life carries influence.
Every decision carries consequences—some expected, others unintended. Sometimes choices are made knowing full well what will follow. Other times, the ripple effects aren’t recognized until much later. But whether intended or not, influence is always present. Every person affects someone else, for better or worse.
A helpful picture of this reality is the ripple effect. Imagine a calm body of water. When something hits the surface, the ripples begin small and tight at the center, but they continue outward—wider and farther than expected. Life works the same way. Decisions made at the center of a life don’t stop there; they expand outward, touching people and circumstances far beyond the original moment.
This truth has been recognized for centuries. In 1624, a preacher reflecting on Romans 14:7—“For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself”—captured it well: no man is an island. That truth remains just as relevant today. Whether in life or in death, influence continues.
There are countless examples of this. Lives lived well inspire others toward good. Lives lived poorly can lead others down destructive paths. The question is not whether influence exists, but how it will be used.
The Power of Positive Influence
There is real power in a life lived well. Someone is always watching. Scripture reminds believers of this responsibility in Matthew 5:13–16. Followers of Christ are described as salt and light.
Salt preserves and adds flavor. In biblical times, it was essential for preservation. In the same way, a life marked by integrity and faith can help preserve others from harmful paths and add richness to their lives.
Light guides. Even a small light stands out in darkness. The darker the world becomes, the greater the opportunity for light to shine. Influence doesn’t always come through formal teaching or preaching—it often comes through everyday faithfulness. Coaches, teachers, business owners, parents, coworkers, and community leaders all have opportunities to guide others simply by how they live.
Jesus summarized this calling clearly: “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Influence Through Words and Actions
Positive influence begins with awareness—especially of words and actions.
Scripture warns in Proverbs 18:21 that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Words can heal or wound, build or destroy. Careless speech—whether spoken in person, online, or behind closed doors—can have devastating consequences. The rise of social media has only amplified this reality.
Actions matter just as much. Integrity is revealed not only in public moments but in private ones. What is said when no one is watching carries as much weight as what is said on a visible stage. Consistency matters. Influence is weakened when words and actions don’t align.
A simple but powerful reminder once circulated on wristbands: What Would Jesus Do? That question still serves as a useful guide. Choosing actions that reflect Christ-like character shapes influence in meaningful ways.
A Life Changed, A World Impacted
History offers powerful reminders of how influence works. Billy Sunday, a professional baseball player in the early 1900s, began life in an orphanage, found success in sports, and nearly lost everything to alcohol. One evening, after hearing the gospel outside the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, his life was transformed. He walked away from baseball and became one of the most influential evangelists of his era, preaching tens of thousands of messages and impacting more than a million lives.
Someone influenced him toward destruction. Someone else spoke truth into his life—and the ripple effect continues to this day.
Looking Ahead
The future is bright.
It’s bright for communities of faith shaped by God’s grace.
It’s bright for individuals created with purpose.
It’s bright for those who are watching and waiting for Christ’s return.
And it’s bright for the influence that can be extended to others.
No one is here by accident. God has a purpose for every life, regardless of role or age. Proverbs 3:5–6 offers this assurance: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Every day brings opportunity. Every encounter holds potential. Someone will cross paths this week and be affected—positively or negatively—by what is said or done. That moment matters.
The most important decision anyone can make is to be certain of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ—not merely religious activity, but genuine trust in His death, burial, and resurrection for salvation. From that foundation flows a life capable of meaningful influence.
The future isn’t distant. It’s happening now. And in this moment, there is opportunity to be salt, to be light, and to shape the future of others for good.
