Dedicated to influencing others for good

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Live like it’s true”

Our Bible verse for today: “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.” Titus 2:7 (ESV)

Our thought for today: “Dedicated to influencing others for good”

My friend Jim Goodrich is in heaven now and I miss him. Not only was he a good friend, but he was a good church member. He was faithful and always willing to help. One of the many things Jim did for me was introducing me to the Torah Commentaries written by Dr. Dennis Prager. These are the best practical application commentaries on the first five books of the Old Testament that I have ever come across. Dr. Prager titled the series, “The Rational Bible.” As each volume was published, Jim gave me a copy as a gift.

Dennis Prager is a Jew not a Christian, but he is one of the most respected Old Testament scholars in the world today. Although his works are studied by Jewish students around the world, approximately 50% of those who study Dr. Prager’s works are non-Jews, like me. Over more than forty years he has taught millions of students through seminary courses, videos, conferences, books, and a daily radio show. The reason his teaching is so popular is because it is so practical. He clearly shows how the Old Testament applies to the issues of modern life.

The other day I was reading the introduction to his commentary on the book of Deuteronomy. Dennis was explaining his own background and how it was that he came to be a Biblical scholar, teacher, writer, and popular speaker. He shared an insight regarding his own early motivation that resonated with me to the point that I wrote it down and made it my own. Dennis wrote, “At the age of sixteen, I wrote in my diary that I wanted to devote my life “to influencing people to the good.” That mission has animated my life. In a nutshell, I love goodness, and I hate evil.”

I love that. His personal mission became, “My life is dedicated to influencing people for good.” What a noble aspiration for all of us! And that is precisely what Paul was counseling Titus to do in Titus 2:7, “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.” Dennis Prager does that on an international scale through his work as a scholar, teacher, speaker, and writer. But truthfully, this is something all of us can do. We can all strive to live a life (in word and deed) which influences others for good.

Let me ask you this morning, “What is your life dedicated to?” Deep down in your heart, what is it that motivates and drives you? A simple desire “to influence others for good” would be an admirable goal for any life.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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