Proverbs 31:8-9 (The Message) Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!

TALK: Go around the room and have everyone answer

• Who Influences You?
• Who Do You Influence?

THE HEART OF THE MATTER:

15 year old Zach Hunter decided that he could be an incredible influence and actually change the world. Zach is a modern day abolitionist. Slavery is still going on all over the world. Adults and Kids are being forced to work under horrible conditions in brickyards or rolling cigarettes, and being used in sex trades. There are actually more slaves today than ever in the history of the World! Zach is stepping up. He has started his own organization to fight slavery. During the summers he travels and speaks and tells people about today’s bondage. Zach is one that is dedicated and using his influence to BE THE CHANGE.

Luke 4:14 (The Message) God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the burdened and battered free, to announce, “This is God’s year to act!”

Jesus stuck up for the poor, the broken, and the hurting. He used his influence to defend the people around him and to make their lives better. This is what we should be doing as his icon. Using our God-influence to rescue the lost and help the less fortunate. Let us not be consumed in ourselves but in God and meeting the needs of others.

• What things do you recognize locally and globally that you can use your influence to change?
• How should we be representing Christ?
• What influence does being a Christ-follower give you?

TAKE ACTION: Go around the room and have everyone answer

What will you do to be the image of God this week in your school, work, church, home or community?

Volunteer, visit a nursing home. Buy someone lunch. Join or start a group that aids a foreign country. DO SOMETHING. BE THE CHANGE. 

FINAL THOUGHT