The Influence of a Big Brother

Our two grandsons, Jesse and Jack, are now approximately 2 ½ years old and 10 months old. Jack, the younger one, is now crawling everywhere as well as pulling himself up into a standing position whenever he can. Jesse, like any two-year-old, is all over the place, constantly on the move. They are, of course, a real handful for their parents—albeit, a good handful!  What is really amazing is seeing them already interacting with each other and wanting to play together. It’s obvious that they are becoming best friends. 

Even a few months back, we noticed how Jack would follow Jesse with his eyes. When Jesse would begin to talk or run past him, Jack would turn his head, catch Jesse in his line of sight, and begin to watch his every move. Now that Jack can crawl, wherever Jesse goes Jack wants to go. Whatever Jesse is playing with Jack wants to play with (much to Jesse’s chagrin!). When Jesse banged himself at our house and gave out a bit of a scream, Jack began to cry! Like most little brothers, Jack just naturally wants to follow in his big brother’s footsteps. And like most big brothers, Jesse just naturally has a lot of influence over his little brother.  

If you think about it, we all play the role of the big brother in someone’s life. That is, each of our lives become a source of influence to someone, if not to more. There are those who are watching us and being influenced by us. Our lives have the potential to lead them into good or harm. Our lives have the potential to lead them closer to God and into what he would have for them or further away from him. Whether we mean to or not, whether we like it or not, we are constantly making an impact on someone else’s life. 

The Apostle Paul understood this principle well. He wrote to the believers in the Corinthian church, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1 – NIV) To Timothy, his spiritual son, he said, “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings….” (2 Timothy 3:14-15) In other words, Paul knew that Timothy had not only been listening to what he told him, but had been watching how Paul had lived.  He anticipated the way he lived his life would have an effect on Timothy and all who came under the influence of his life and ministry. 

Let me ask you, what kind of influence is your life having upon those around you? Are their lives better off for having you in their life? Are you leading them into that which is good or into harm? 

I want to be able to say to my children, grandchildren, friends, congregants, neighbors, etc. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” I hope and pray that my life will lead others into the good that God has for them. And I hope and pray the same for you. 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris