Everyone Can Be an Inspiration

One day while driving, I saw the window of a luxury car near mine open, and the driver threw trash onto the road. I could only shake my head when I noticed a small cross accessory swaying on the car’s dashboard. How sad. My assumption was that the owner of this luxury car was well-off and fairly educated, and also a Christian. A person who should have been an inspiration to those around him, instead of littering on the highway.

The Life of a Disciple of Jesus Is Full of Inspiration

Matthew 5:13-14 records Jesus’ message to His disciples, namely that they are to be the salt and light of the world. Our lives should bring flavor, give light, and draw people out of darkness into the light of God. So how can we become an inspiration that brightens other people’s lives if our own lifestyle is bad?

Being a disciple of Jesus means that our teacher is Jesus. We must follow His perfect example, even though we ourselves are not perfect (Matthew 5:48). In Matthew 5:16 it is written, “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The inspiration we give is like a light in the midst of darkness. Other people see that light, then come closer because they are drawn to our lives, and then also glorify God.

Everyone Can Be an Inspiration

Ah, I’m not an outstanding student, I don’t have a high position at work, I’m not a successful entrepreneur, much less a respected person. What inspiration could I possibly give?

Perhaps we think that way. The good news is that we can become an inspiration to others according to our portion, no matter how small. Becoming an inspiration is not complicated; even simple and uneducated people can do it. The proof is that the Lord Jesus did not choose royal soldiers from the palace, but rough fishermen to become His disciples.

The point is, whoever we are, we can become a source of inspiration, as long as:

1. Dare to Be Different

A Disciple  of Jesus must dare to be different (Romans 12:2). Only people who dare to act outside the usual habits receive more attention. When other students bribe lecturers for good grades, we remain honest and choose to study diligently. In that way, we are telling them, “Hey, we really can still excel in the right ways.”

Even if the results we obtain are not as good as those of others, we may be proud and grateful because the results are pure. We enjoy not only the grade, but also the process of achieving it. Remember, every decision we make has implications for one of these two things: glorifying God, or dishonoring God.

2. Start Inspiring Now

There is no need to wait until we reach the peak of success; we can become an inspiration right now.

For students, study diligently, do not come late to class, do not cheat, develop a creative attitude, and contribute positively in study groups. For employees, work hard and with discipline, do not engage in corruption, and take the initiative to help others. For everyone, be a good citizen, obey traffic signs, complete official documents, pay your taxes, and so on.

Without realizing it, our unusual good habits can awaken people from their bad habits. We refuse offers to cheat. We keep trash in our pocket for a while when we have not found a trash bin yet. We cancel riding on a friend’s motorcycle if we do not have a helmet. We still obey traffic signs even when no police are around, and so on.mainstream our unusual good habits can awaken people from their bad habits. We refuse offers to cheat. We keep trash in our pocket for a while when we have not found a trash bin yet. We cancel riding on a friend’s motorcycle if we do not have a helmet. We still obey traffic signs even when no police are around, and so on.

Even if other people do not acknowledge it directly, our example may remain in their hearts. Small, real actions are better than big dreams with no action at all.

3. Be the Best of You!

The idea that an inspirational person is someone who travels the world giving speeches and becoming a motivator before thousands of people is mistaken. Not everyone can become a charismatic speaker. However, every talent can be developed and become an inspiration to those around us.

Do you enjoy writing? Write things that are good and edifying. Are you skilled at painting? Create beautiful and meaningful pictures. If you are gifted in sports, keep training and start achieving. For those who love to sing, sing songs that are good and inspiring.

There is no need to follow trends or copy someone else’s style. Know yourself and become an inspiration in our own way.

As the world is increasingly swept away in its evil, disciples of Jesus are expected to give inspiration and keep shining in the darkness. Disciples of Jesus dare to be different, starting now, as themselves.

So, what is your inspiration today?