A Powerful Influence

A Powerful Influence

Eunice And Lois

Read: 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-17

Marla switched off the television and tried to ignore the familiar restlessness that was already seeping in. She loved to watch programs about outstanding women who influenced the world in politics, science, medicine, or philanthropy. But these shows made her dissatisfied with her own life. How could she do something important with no formal education, wealth, special talents, or extra time? Tomorrow was her turn to carpool and her day to volunteer in Andrea’s classroom. After school, she would take Jeremy to his art lesson, and in the evening she would lead the board meeting for Helping Hands. I guess homemakers can’t be expected to make a difference in the world, she sighed.

Paul’s second letter to Timothy mentions two women who probably longed to make a difference in their world. Eunice and her daughter Lois were Jewish women who became Christians, perhaps through Paul’s preaching. They probably did not have any public ministry or position of power, but they did have the opportunity to train Lois’s son and teach him the Scriptures. Through the influence of his mother and grandmother, Timothy became a leading evangelist who influenced countless lives for Christ.

We may not feel that we’re in a position to have an impact on the world, but each of us has the opportunity to influence someone. Mothers can train their children to grow up as followers of Christ, and in turn, their children will influence others. We may have a neighbor, friend, or coworker who needs the touch of God’s love and truth. The only requirement for becoming a powerful influence is a willingness to be used wherever God has placed us. The examples of Eunice and Lois show that if we are faithful, we can make a lasting difference in the world from exactly where we are.

[Those who are righteous] will have influence and honor.

Psalm 112:9