“Influence comes through conversations. Jesus knew this. The Bible records Jesus speaking to crowds only fifteen times, but having forty one-on-one conversations. If we let fear stop us, we will miss out on the impact God intends for us to have.”- Kyle Idleman
“Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ “- John 4:6-7 (NIV)
In Chapter 10 (“One Conversation At a Time”) of One At a Time, Kyle Idleman underscores that we possess more power to influence lives than we can possibly imagine. However, Pastor Idleman observes, many people fear conversations that involve sharing Jesus.
Therefore, Kyle takes an in-depth look at John 4. Because as Jesus met the woman at the well, He modeled how to have those conversations. Kyle takes a look at the first way today.
1. Excuses. First, Kyle notes, this conversation never should have taken place. Above all, the woman was a Samaritan. Back in Jesus’s day, men and women rarely conversed in public. And Jewish people never interacted with those despised Samaritans. Certainly, many reasons existed that allowed Jesus to ignore this woman.
Furthermore, Kyle asserts, we tend to find all kinds of reasons to avoid spiritual conversations. Most significantly, those excuses tend to center on us. But, the author contends, it’s not about you. For only God leads a person to Jesus. So, do your best and let God take care of the rest.
In conclusion, Pastor Idleman talks about a missionary in one Muslim nation. When he leads people to Christ, he asks them to make of list of anyone they know who’s not a Christian. Typically, that list includes everyone they know.
Next, he tells the new Christians to circle the names of the ten people least likely to kill them for telling about Jesus. Finally, the missionary encourages them to share Jesus with these people ASAP. And they do it!
Today’s question: How do you find that influence comes through conversations? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Rabbit Hole Christianity”
