Who Can You Be an Inspiration To?

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Who Can You Be an Inspiration To?

by David Huff

Growing up, I worked for a discount store called Roses. It was there that I would meet Jody Wheldon, someone who would go on to change my life many years later. Jody was the assistant manager of Roses, and he would later be named store manager. What was so special about Jody was how he inspired us to do the best we could in everything we did. He poured out the love in his heart to each person he knew. To a 17-year-old kid who never had anyone take the time to express encouragement, I did not know how to accept it. It did not matter because, many years later, his words still echo in my mind. Jody was only our store manager for less than a year, but in that short amount of time, the inspiring he did would last a lifetime.

Jesus was a great encourager and influencer who inspired many to give up their lives to teach the Gospel years after His death. In 1 Corinthians 11:1 we are called to be imitators of Christ. That includes influencing the lives of someone who has no one else to help them. Jesus taught that we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Your neighbor is anybody near you—a co-worker, a family member, someone on the elevator, or even your physical neighbor. In Titus 2:7, we are told to show ourselves in all respects to be a model of good works. Being a model of good works is living the servant leader life as Christ did.

Jesus was a great example of someone who served His people, and also led His people. This is what I remember the most about Jody, the way he held himself accountable to show respect not just to himself but to those around him. Jody was a true example of what Christ set for us as a servant leader. I encourage you today to look around at the faces near you, the faces that you see every day and ask yourself, what would it hurt to speak a kind word to someone? What would it hurt to show love to someone who may not be the best person?

As a 17-year-old kid who was lost in the world and stayed lost for many years, I needed the inspiration I received at that tender age. Even though I did not realize it at the moment, God was working in the background to orchestrate my return to Him. It only takes a few seconds of the day to be nice to someone. It only takes a few seconds of the day to show love to someone, and we receive a reward for it too. The more kindness, inspiration, and love that we show to someone comes back to us. We find ourselves a new joy and peace that we have never experienced. Who can you inspire today through your loving acts of kindness?

About The Author My name is David Huff. I am married to Brittany and together we have five wonderful kids. We attend Rock Bridge Community Church Calhoun where I serve on the prayer team, host team, production team, and a small group co-leader. I am also a senior at Lee University.