Christian Living

What We Do Or Say Today Can Affect Others For A Lifetime

by RikCharbonneaux. To Your Health  
05/20/25
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What We Do Or Say Today Can Affect Others For A Lifetime

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."   Maya Angelou

Have you ever considered how your conduct, words, or actions impact others?  And that the emotional effects that you have had upon others, be they positive or negative, can be far more lasting than just our actual words, conduct, or actions.

 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.". Matthew 5:16 NIV

Can others see your commitment to your Christian faith through your public example and retain a positive impression about that real commitment?

"But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect."  Peter 3:16 NIV

Can others see your demonstrated level of faith as something they, too, desire, or do they come away feeling that your conduct and speech are somewhat lower than they think “Christian conduct” should be?

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."   Romans 12:3 NIV

Have you looked at yourself in the same light that others see you?  For the most part, it is a good and sobering indicator of how you affect others who are looking for the example of a "good and devout Christian" around them.  Would it be positive or somewhat negative to the viewer?

I once asked a Jewish man I knew through business, “How much credit for your financial success do you give to God?  He replied, “God had nothing to do with it.”  

I found the answer to be rather arrogant and disrespectful to our God, however, some conduct displayed by other Christians has been just as revolting to me.  And undoubtedly, I have probably offended some full-faith Christians with my conduct as well.

I hope the examples cited above will help us to remember that how we act and what we say can emotionally affect others for a lifetime.