A Day-by-day devotional

January 17, 2023

Impacting Lives

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 24-25

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 5:13-16

I was fourteen and a sophomore student when I had high school biology. I had the best teacher. She taught us with so much enthusiasm and passion that I fell in love with biology at age 14. Little did I know that I will fall in love with it forever. I am grateful to that teacher who taught us not only with much knowledge but with much love. That teacher was my favorite high school teacher. I have looked up to her and loved her so much. She also happens to be my grandaunt. Seven years ago today, she went to be with the Lord. I have been missing her and I will always love her. I am now a research biologist and she had so much to do with it. She may have left this world, but whatever I had done since I first stepped into the world of biomedical research, and whatever the Lord would allow and enable me to do in the future, in each and every single one of them, her legacy lives on.

Her name was Lola (Grandaunt) Remy. Before high school biology, she was just typical grandaunt to me. As a kid, whenever I see her or get to visit their house, my impression was that she was a kind relative. But ever since and long after she became my teacher, that impression changed into so much more. She has impacted my life.

There is a difference between solely making an impression and imprinting something impactful into someone’s life. An impression demonstrates. It merely leaves something on display. To make an impact is to make a profound difference, influencing someone’s life. Jesus was the most impressive man to ever walk on earth. But He didn’t just impress people. He set to impact their lives. Our lives. For this reason, He admonished those who seek to follow Him to let their light shine before others (Matthew 5:16). In the same way, 1 John 2:6 tells us: “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” He is the Light of the world (John 8:12).

Reflection: When we seek to make an impression, we center on people and how we could please them and earn their respect. When we are set to make an impact, our actions center on God. Whenever we follow Him, His light shines in and through us, and that impacts the lives of others.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me make an impact in the lives of others, instead of just a mere impression. Enable me to shine your light in the paths where you would lead me. Amen.