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A Far-Reaching Influence
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”
John 12:24–26
From the tragedy of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, some amazing stories of courage and heroism emerged. One of those was the story of Todd Beamer, who along with other passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 rushed the cockpit to attempt to regain control of the plane from the hijackers. Though the plane crashed, their sacrifice meant that it did not hit its intended target in Washington. This story traveled around the world, and a film crew from Russia came to interview Todd’s wife Lisa about his courage and sacrifice.
Part of the interview was filmed at the church the couple attended, in the room where Todd had taught his Sunday school class. On the wall was a depiction of the gulf between God and man caused by sin being bridged by the cross. The leader of the Russian team was fascinated. He had never seen anything like that before and wanted to know more. Before he left the United States, he had accepted Christ as his Saviour, and on his return made sure that the image of the cross was included in the broadcast across Russia.
None of us know the full scope of the influence we have on others. There are people we may never know or meet who can still be touched through our faithful service and willingness to sacrifice for the cause of Christ. Life is not about us, but about Jesus.
John 12:24–26
From the tragedy of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, some amazing stories of courage and heroism emerged. One of those was the story of Todd Beamer, who along with other passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 rushed the cockpit to attempt to regain control of the plane from the hijackers. Though the plane crashed, their sacrifice meant that it did not hit its intended target in Washington. This story traveled around the world, and a film crew from Russia came to interview Todd’s wife Lisa about his courage and sacrifice.
Part of the interview was filmed at the church the couple attended, in the room where Todd had taught his Sunday school class. On the wall was a depiction of the gulf between God and man caused by sin being bridged by the cross. The leader of the Russian team was fascinated. He had never seen anything like that before and wanted to know more. Before he left the United States, he had accepted Christ as his Saviour, and on his return made sure that the image of the cross was included in the broadcast across Russia.
None of us know the full scope of the influence we have on others. There are people we may never know or meet who can still be touched through our faithful service and willingness to sacrifice for the cause of Christ. Life is not about us, but about Jesus.
Today’s Growth Principle:
If we truly live for Christ, not even death can stop the influence that we have on the world.
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