Joshua Breland is a graduate student at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
We are surrounded by people. I think baseball should officially be retired as “America’s Favorite Pastime.” Surely “people watching” is our real favorite pastime. Our lives are filled with daily interactions and experiences with people.
How would you answer if asked, “Who are the greatest people in your life?” Would it be family, friends, maybe people you don’t personally know but who inspire you through their writings, radio and television programs, or other media? Are the greatest people in your life the ones whom you share in laughing, crying, struggling, thriving? Perhaps there is a better indicator for who really are the greatest people in our lives.
I am thankful to have many godly people around me and my family. There was a time in my life where I had very few Christians around. I had some dear friends but very few spiritual brothers and sisters. It is a blessing to be here at Southeastern Seminary and surrounded by God’s people. Though, that’s not enough.
Merely being surrounded by God’s people is not enough. The mere presence of other believers is not enough to effect spiritual growth, and love for the Lord, which is our daily purpose and calling.
The greatest people in your life may not be the ones with whom you spend the greatest amount of time. The greatest people in your life may not be blood relatives who raised you, loved you, and provided for you beyond expectation. Here is the truth: The greatest people in your life are the ones who point you to Jesus Christ as your life, your death, your resurrection, and your salvation.
I have come to realize that all of my greatest memories and experiences with friends and family can be totally surpassed by one person, at one period in time, pointing me to the riches of Jesus. I want that. I want more of that. I want to give people more of Jesus and not merely more “good times and great oldies” (ok, bad radio station jingle joke). The greatest people in my life, and your life, are the ones who point us to faith in Jesus.
Are you one of the greatest people in someone’s life? You can be and I hope you will be. I will join you in the challenge.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” – Isaiah 52:7