Intentional Impact: Shaping Lives Through Positive Influence
Summary
Impact is a force that shapes lives, communities, and even the course of history. Each of us has felt the influence of others—sometimes for good, sometimes for harm—and we are called to be intentional about the kind of impact we make. There are two types of impact: positive, which brings improvement, growth, and blessing; and negative, which causes harm, division, and setbacks. The Bible is filled with examples of both, and these stories are not just ancient history—they are blueprints and warnings for our own lives.
Mordecai’s influence on Esther is a powerful example of positive impact. He stepped in as a father figure, offering wisdom and encouragement that enabled Esther to act courageously and save her people. Noah, too, made a lasting impact by obeying God in a world that mocked him, preserving life through his faithfulness. Silas, standing with Paul in prison, shows how steadfast companionship and encouragement can strengthen others and even lead to miraculous transformation.
But the Bible also warns us about negative impact. Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron sowed discord and led to destruction, reminding us how easily one person’s bitterness can infect a whole community. Potiphar’s wife, through her false accusation against Joseph, nearly destroyed an innocent life, yet God’s sovereignty turned even that evil for good.
Real-life stories echo these truths. Fanny Crosby, blind from birth, overcame her challenges to write thousands of hymns that have inspired millions. Her life is a testament to how God can use our limitations for His glory. On the other hand, figures like Bhagwan Osho show how charisma and influence, when misused, can lead many astray and cause deep harm.
Everyday impact is found in small acts—kindness, encouragement, integrity, prayer, and selfless service. Sometimes a simple hug or a word of encouragement can change someone’s day or even their life. We are called to be salt and light, to flavor and illuminate the world around us, reflecting Christ in all we do.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of impact. Through forgiveness, humble service, compassion, and unconditional love, He transformed lives and history itself. His call is for us to follow in His footsteps, using our influence to build up, heal, and bring hope. Our impact, when rooted in Christ, can echo far beyond our own lifetimes.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Positive Influence: Mordecai’s guidance to Esther and Noah’s obedience to God show that even in the face of uncertainty or opposition, our actions and words can shape destinies. True impact often requires courage, faith, and a willingness to act for the good of others, even when the outcome is unclear. [07:34]
- The Subtle Dangers of Negative Impact: Korah’s rebellion and Potiphar’s wife’s deceit reveal how easily negativity, gossip, or selfishness can spread and destroy. It is a sobering reminder to examine our motives and actions, ensuring we do not become sources of division or harm in our families, workplaces, or communities. [21:02]
- Everyday Impact Matters: Small gestures—like a hug, a word of encouragement, or a simple act of service—can have profound effects on those around us. We often underestimate the ripple effect of our daily choices, but God uses even the smallest acts of kindness to bring light and hope to others. [31:00]
- The Ultimate Impact of Christ: Jesus’ life models the highest form of influence—one rooted in forgiveness, humility, compassion, and sacrificial love. His example challenges us to respond to negativity with grace, to serve without seeking reward, and to love even those who reject us. [35:58]
- Our Calling to Purposeful Impact: God calls us to be salt and light, enhancing and illuminating the world with His love. This means living with integrity, sharing our faith gently, and seeking to leave a legacy that reflects Christ’s character. Our impact should be intentional, lasting, and always point others to God’s goodness. [42:20]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Defining Impact: Positive and Negative
[06:35] - Introduction to Biblical Examples
[07:34] - Mordecai’s Impact on Esther
[08:31] - Esther’s Courage and Obedience
[13:37] - Noah’s Faithful Obedience
[15:04] - The Legacy of Noah’s Impact
[16:06] - Silas: Encouragement in Adversity
[18:10] - The Power of Companionship
[18:52] - Negative Impact: Korah’s Rebellion
[21:02] - The Consequences of Division
[21:45] - Potiphar’s Wife: False Accusation
[26:55] - Fanny Crosby: Overcoming Limitations
[29:08] - Bhagwan Osho: Misused Influence
[31:00] - Everyday Acts of Kindness
[32:14] - Serving and Encouraging Others
[33:48] - The Power of Prayer and Integrity
[35:58] - The Ultimate Impact: Jesus Christ
[37:03] - Forgiveness and Humility
[42:20] - Praying for Purposeful Impact
[48:17] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Impact
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### Bible Reading
- Esther 4:12-17 (Mordecai’s influence on Esther)
- Genesis 6:5-9, 13-14, 22 (Noah’s obedience and impact)
- Acts 16:25 (Silas and Paul in prison)
- Numbers 16:1-35 (Korah’s rebellion)
- Genesis 39:17-18 (Potiphar’s wife’s accusation against Joseph)
- Matthew 5:13-16 (Jesus calls us to be salt and light)
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### Observation Questions
1. What specific advice did Mordecai give to Esther, and how did it change the outcome for the Jewish people? [[08:31]]
2. In the story of Noah, what made his obedience stand out in the world he lived in? [[13:37]]
3. How did Silas support Paul during their time in prison, and what was the result of their actions? [[18:10]]
4. What were the consequences of Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron? [[21:02]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Mordecai’s influence was so crucial for Esther’s courage and decision-making? How might Esther’s story have been different without him? [[08:31]]
2. What does Noah’s willingness to obey God, even when it didn’t make sense to others, teach us about faith and impact? [[13:37]]
3. How can one person’s negative attitude or actions, like Korah’s or Potiphar’s wife’s, affect an entire community or someone’s life? [[21:02]] [[21:45]]
4. Jesus calls us to be “salt and light.” What does that practically look like in our daily lives, and why is it important for our impact to reflect Christ? [[35:58]]
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### Application Questions
1. Think of a time when someone’s encouragement or advice changed your direction or gave you courage. How did that impact you, and how can you be that kind of influence for someone else this week? [[08:31]]
2. Noah obeyed God even when others mocked him. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to do something unpopular or misunderstood? What would it look like to obey God in that situation? [[13:37]]
3. Silas stood by Paul in a tough time, and together they encouraged others. Who in your life needs your support or encouragement right now? What is one practical thing you can do for them this week? [[18:10]]
4. Korah’s rebellion started with just one person’s negativity and spread to many. Are there ways you might be unintentionally spreading negativity at home, work, or church? What steps can you take to be a source of unity instead? [[21:02]]
5. Potiphar’s wife’s false accusation almost destroyed Joseph, but God turned it for good. Have you ever been misunderstood or falsely accused? How did you respond, and how can you trust God to use even negative situations for His purpose? [[21:45]]
6. The sermon mentioned that small acts—like a hug, a kind word, or a prayer—can have a big impact. What is one small, intentional act of kindness you can do this week to reflect Christ’s love? [[31:00]]
7. Jesus modeled forgiveness, humility, and unconditional love, even to those who rejected Him. Is there someone you need to forgive or serve without expecting anything in return? What is one step you can take toward that this week? [[35:58]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Pray together that God would help each person in the group to make a positive, Christ-like impact in their families, workplaces, and communities, and that their influence would point others to God’s goodness. [[42:20]]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Positive Impact: Mordecai and Esther
Mordecai’s guidance and support for Esther changed the course of history for the Jewish people, showing how one person’s encouragement and wisdom can empower another to step into their calling. When Esther was faced with a life-or-death decision, Mordecai’s advice and faith gave her the courage to approach the king, risking her own safety to save her people. This story reminds us that our words, prayers, and presence can be the catalyst for someone else’s breakthrough, even when the path is uncertain or frightening. Like Mordecai, we are called to invest in others, offering support and godly counsel that can lead to transformation and deliverance. [08:31]
Esther 4:12-17 (ESV)
And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
Reflection: Who in your life needs encouragement or wise counsel today, and how can you intentionally offer support that could help them step into their God-given purpose?
Day 2: Obedience in the Face of Uncertainty: Noah’s Faith
Noah’s unwavering obedience to God’s instructions, even when they seemed illogical and brought ridicule from others, preserved life and shaped the future of humanity. He built the ark for years without seeing any sign of rain, enduring mockery and doubt, yet he trusted God’s word above all else. Noah’s story challenges us to listen for God’s voice and act in faith, even when we don’t understand the outcome or when others question our choices. Our obedience, no matter how small or misunderstood, can have a ripple effect that blesses generations. [15:04]
Genesis 6:5-9, 13-14, 22 (ESV)
The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.
And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch.”
Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.
Reflection: What is one area where God is calling you to obey, even if it doesn’t make sense to others, and how can you take a step of faith today?
Day 3: The Strength of Godly Companionship: Silas’s Support
Silas’s partnership with Paul in prison demonstrates the profound impact of standing with others in their trials, offering encouragement, faith, and steadfastness that can lead to miraculous outcomes. Silas didn’t just share in Paul’s suffering; he prayed, worshipped, and witnessed alongside him, resulting in the conversion of the jailer and his family. This example calls us to be present for others, especially in their darkest moments, and to recognize that our faithfulness can inspire hope and transformation in those around us. [18:10]
Acts 16:25 (ESV)
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Reflection: Who is going through a difficult season that you can stand with in prayer, encouragement, or practical support this week?
Day 4: The Dangers of Negative Impact: Korah’s Rebellion
Korah’s story is a sobering reminder of how negative influence—through gossip, rebellion, or sowing discord—can bring harm and division to families, communities, and even entire nations. By challenging God’s appointed leaders and stirring up others, Korah’s actions led to destruction and pain, showing that our words and attitudes have real consequences. We are called to examine our hearts, seek unity, and use our influence to build up rather than tear down, choosing to be agents of peace and encouragement in every sphere of life. [21:45]
Numbers 16:1-3, 31-33 (ESV)
Now Korah the son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men. And they rose up before Moses, with a number of the people of Israel, two hundred fifty chiefs of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, well-known men. They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?”
And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart. And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods. So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly.
Reflection: Is there any relationship or environment where your words or actions have sown division or negativity, and how can you seek reconciliation or bring healing today?
Day 5: Living as Salt and Light: The Call to Purposeful Impact
God calls each of us to be the salt and light of the world, intentionally making a positive difference in our families, workplaces, and communities by reflecting Christ’s love, integrity, and hope. Whether through small acts of kindness, selfless service, or sharing our faith gently, our daily choices can leave a lasting legacy that points others to God. Even when it’s difficult, we are invited to let our impact be rooted in Christ, so that it endures and brings glory to Him. [35:58]
Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection: What is one intentional act you can do today to bring encouragement, hope, or practical help to someone in your sphere of influence, reflecting the love and light of Christ?
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