3. Sharing faith in Christ in my sphere of influence

2 CORINTHIANS 5:20

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

MATTHEW 28:19-20

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

EPHESIANS 3:9-11

….and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Songwriter Rockwell wrote, “I always feel like somebody’s watching me.” That rings very true for us; somebody is always watching. Certainly, the ever present God is watching, but so are those in our sphere of influence. In his book Living Proof Jim Petersen wrote, "We are the first account of the gospel that most people will ever read.  Either they will desire more, having read us, or they will decide that there is nothing there for them."  

God has given us a personal mission field, no one else has the exact same set of friends.  According to the Apostle Paul, God has called us to be the fragrance of Christ in their midst. Do you sometimes wonder if the aroma you are giving off draws them in or pushes them away (2 Cor. 2:14-16).  Whose fragrance are they encountering?

Make your daily prayer that you will be a pleasant aroma and an effective ambassador by the way you live and how you express the goodness of God and the hope you have in Christ, and that as a result they will be drawn in and desire more. 

Learn the importance of intentionality, persistence, and patience. Intentionally looking for areas of "common ground" can be critical to staying meaningfully involved in the lives of those who are not yet following Christ. Persistently praying for them can lead to specific opportunities to share some of the high and low points of your life which in turn will lead to discussions on some of life’s deeper questions. Then, when the opportunity has naturally presented itself, you can share your personal faith story and patiently walk with them as they take the steps toward placing their faith in Christ.

Your old friends and business colleagues, trade association acquaintances, co-workers and customers, family and neighbors make up your unique sphere of influence. They are your mission field. Be thankful that God has given you the privilege of possibly helping many of them come to faith in Christ. Place your trust in God Alone.