An older post from 01/07/2012
“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Phil 1:12-13).
Have you ever heard these statements: “Money talks.” Or how about this: “He who has the gold, rules.” Both of these statements have some truth in them.
When Jesus was crucified, there was a question as to where Jesus would be buried. Those that hurried him to the cross designed that he should make his grave with the wicked; but God designed he should make it with the rich (Isa 53:9), and so he did.
For Jesus to be buried with honor, a man of influence was permitted to take the body of Jesus. His name was Joseph of Arimathea. It seems this man had a personal relationship with Pilate. He was a man of influence and owned a burial cave that was reserved for the rich.
Joseph of Arimathea was called an honorable counselor, a person of character and distinction, and in an office of public trust; he was one of the high priest’s council.
The Bible says that God desires His people to be the head, not the tail. If we are to influence the culture, there must be men and women of influence in whom God uses to impact the culture. If you are a successful person, consider the words of Paul when he said, “…what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” Although Paul was referencing adversity in this statement, it can be equally said that each of us needs to ask if our prosperity has served to advance the gospel.
I’ve known this man of God in Kenya through Larry Kreider; his name is Ibrahim Omondi. Ibrahim is a man of influence; he is not only an apostolic leader overseeing churches, but he is also a businessman making profits to support ministries; moreover, Ibrahim has good connections with the Kenyan government. We are all called to be the priest, the prophet, and the king; it doesn’t matter where we are; our life is to connect with God, with people, and influence the world.
Are you using your influence to impact your workplace, city, or even nation for the sake of the gospel?