Circle of Influence

June 10, 2019, By: Jimmy Scruggs

No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open. So be careful that you don’t become misers…generosity begets generosity.” Luke 8:16-19 (MSG)
In Celebrate Recovery you will hear a lot of talk about control issues; domination, power, manipulation, abuse—”my way or the highway.” In fact, the very first questions we tackle in our 12-Step group studies are about what we really have control over. We can control our actions, attitudes and acceptance, and that’s about it. It’s obvious there is a huge difference between controlling others versus influencing others. One is destructive and the other is empowering. One is about playing God and the other is about surrendering to God. The need to control others is really about being out of control. The truth: If my life is out of control then everything I do is about maintaining the persona that I am in control—at all costs. I think we all know what comes next, and it isn’t good.
“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” Lamentations 3:40
I learned as my kids became adults that attempting to control their lives was pushing them away. I needed to change my perspective; I needed to start focusing on letting go and becoming an influencing parent. The circle of influence is powerful. I am acutely aware that my grown daughters still watch their mother and me. What I think our kids are looking for is ongoing validation that we practice what we preach, we walk the talk, and that we live our lives under God’s influence and behave with a heart filled with Jesus. Love them, help them, affirm them, and grow with them. Jesus didn’t force himself on us and we shouldn’t force ourselves on others. Being a living example of God’s love has more influence than anything else we can do.
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions.” 1 John 3:18
God loves you; Jesus died for you; His Spirit lives in you! Say “yes” to Jesus and live Love! Dana Cramer // Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads Church

Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads Church Calendar June 10-16, 2019

Friday, June 14: Testimony Night
  • 6pm: Our Hospitality Team is preparing a wonderful dessert for you. Please join us for dessert and fellowship.
  • 6:30pmPlease join us for an hour of worship and a few mini-testimonies.
  • 7:30pm: Open Share Groups.
  • 8:30pm: Solid Rock Café