I have never really gotten into American Idol, but I caught the tail-end of this last season’s show and saw the last four contestants. Last night, Scotty McCreery took the top honors as one of the best up-and-coming performers in the nation. He will now have the opportunity, and already has, to influence young people and many others around the US as he furthers his musical career.
Most of us will never stand on a stage and be showered with confetti and be given such an opportunity. Yet, we each have a platform, some area in which we have the power to influence another person and make a difference. Sometimes we can take these opportunities for granted and portray a poor example to follow. Whether it’s with our family, friends, the younger generation, the older generation, the lost, whatever, we need to take the gifts and experiences and wisdom that the Lord has provided and seek to influence those around us in a positive way.
1 Timothy 4:12-16 (NIV) Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young [or old], but set an example for the believers in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given to you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
A Heart Like His 