Who is Following You?

Whether we realize it or not, every one of us is leaving footprints. Our lives are telling a story long before we ever say a word. The question isn't whether we're influencing people—it's where our influence is leading them.

It's easy to think influence belongs only to pastors, teachers, business leaders, or people with large online platforms. Yet most of the influence that shapes a person's life happens much closer to home. Children watch their parents. Grandchildren observe their grandparents. New believers learn from mature Christians. Friends notice how we respond when life is difficult. Neighbors watch how we treat people. Long before anyone listens to what we believe about Jesus, they're often watching how we live because of Jesus.

That realization is both humbling and encouraging. God has placed each of us in relationships where our faith can quietly point someone else toward Christ. We may never realize the full impact of our example this side of heaven, but God does.

The Apostle Paul made a remarkable statement to the Corinthian church:

Paul wasn't claiming to be perfect. He was simply inviting others to walk the same road he was walking—a road that led to Jesus. That is a powerful reminder for every believer. People aren't looking for flawless Christians; they're looking for authentic ones.

There is something compelling about a believer who admits when they're wrong, asks forgiveness when they've failed, and continues trusting Christ through both victories and disappointments. Authentic faith gives others permission to believe that God can work through imperfect people. In many ways, discipleship is simply allowing someone to see what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life.

When we hear the words "make disciples," our minds often imagine mission trips, sermons, or large ministry events. While those opportunities are important, much of disciple-making happens in ordinary conversations and everyday moments.

It might be reading Scripture with a friend over breakfast. It could be praying with a coworker who's carrying a heavy burden. It may be inviting a guest to sit with you at church or encouraging a new believer after a Bible study. These moments may seem small, but God has always used ordinary acts of faithfulness to accomplish extraordinary Kingdom work.

Jesus spent much of His earthly ministry walking, eating, teaching, and talking with His disciples. He invested in people through everyday life. Perhaps that's why some of the greatest spiritual impact we'll ever have won't happen on a stage—it will happen around a dinner table, in a hospital room, or during a simple conversation over a cup of coffee.

As Mt. Olivet Baptist celebrates 225 years of Gospel ministry, we're reminded that we didn't arrive here by accident. Every generation has benefited from believers who chose faithfulness over recognition. Someone opened the church doors week after week. Someone faithfully taught children. Someone prayed over hurting families. Someone gave generously so missionaries could be sent. Someone quietly served without expecting applause.

Most of those names are unknown to many of us today, but their influence continues in every person whose life has been changed through the ministry of this church. Their greatest legacy wasn't found in buildings or programs. It was found in people.

Now the privilege belongs to us. We have the opportunity to invest in lives that we may never fully see impacted. The seeds we plant today may become the harvest another generation enjoys tomorrow.

As you move through this week, pause for a moment and ask yourself a simple question:


You don't have to know everything. You don't have to be a Bible scholar. You don't have to hold a leadership position in the church. You simply need a willingness to walk faithfully with Christ and invite someone else to walk alongside you.

Imagine what God could do if every member of Mt. Olivet Baptist intentionally invested in just one person over the next year. Families would be strengthened. New believers would mature. Friendships would deepen. The Gospel would continue moving from one life to another, just as it has for generations.

The story God is writing through His Church isn't finished. By His grace, each of us has the opportunity to help write the next chapter—not through extraordinary achievements, but through a lifetime of ordinary faithfulness to an extraordinary Savior.

This week's blog is only one part of a much bigger conversation.

On Sunday at Mt. Olivet Baptist, we concluded our The XII sermon series by exploring Jesus' words in Matthew 10 and discovering what it means to move from simply admiring the disciples to becoming faithful disciples ourselves. Together we reflected on Christ's call, His provision, His preparation, and His commission for every believer.

If you missed the message—or if you'd like to hear the full biblical teaching behind this week's encouragement—I invite you to watch the sermon. My prayer is that it will challenge you, encourage your faith, and remind you that Jesus is still calling ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary mission.

You can watch the message anytime on theMount Online. Then, as you go through your week, ask the Lord to show you one person you can intentionally encourage, serve, or point toward Christ.

The story of Jesus is still being written... and by God's grace, it's our turn.