Concentric Circles

‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ Matthew 25:44-45

Perfect circles have no end, are perfectly symmetrical at all points and these points are equidistant from the center of the circle. This is the description of the circle of your influence as well. However, there is one thing that you must consider in this description of your circle of influence. And that is the power of your influence upon others.

Evangelistic emphasis is mostly found in preaching to strangers, anonymous crowds. Evangelism must take place where we are. Concentric Circles of Concern is a book written by Oscar Thompson that provides suggestions about sharing Christ's love by meeting the spiritual needs of those around us. Beginning with family, followed by friends, then to everyone in your field of influence and continuing to move outward in concentric circles. However, I find it interesting that this is a concept that has its beginnings in Scripture. In fact, the circle has provided humankind with great curiosity for thousands of years.

Ancient peoples the world over have observed the effects of the circle in relationships and have placed this idea in their centers of worship. Two examples that come to mind are the Stonehenge in England and stone circles left in the ruins by American Indians in the Southwestern United States.

Therefore, the image of the circle is not new and is profoundly powerful as an example for us today. Although Jesus does not make mention of the use of the circle in His statement found in Matthew 25:45, the effect is the same. , ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ Everywhere we go our influence impacts people in one way or another simply because of our presence. This being true, why not make an effort to have a positive influence wherever we are?

Hopefully, the statement itself will arouse your interest only because the words come from the heart of Jesus Christ. Understand that Jesus Christ is the Author of this statement and He is not some ‘Joe’ that has recently come in out of the rain….so to speak. This is Jesus Christ and it is important that He be listened to.

Whatever you and I do does impact the lives of others and Jesus says that He takes serious note of what we do and do not do. Why? Because we are impacting Him in the process. Our lives are important and who we influence is important because we are important to the Savior of the world.

Take a quick walk through most bookstores and libraries and there you will discover the importance of influence. Some authors refer to influence as a science and big dollars are being made by peddling influence. First impressions, first words, and many other things are considered as we encounter people. These impressions fall into the category of influence.

All that has been noted are ideals that will come from your heart….not your appearance. Your appearance is only the reflection of your heart. Consider this, But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7.

Why proclaim the Gospel? This is the heart of God and as believers His heart is our heart. “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 1 Corinthians 5:11-15.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson