Can you imagine teaching yourself Greek at four years old? Being the top of your elementary school at 5 or enrolling in college by 14? Now imagine, because of an illness, you pass away at 28 years old and you were such a positive influence on your community 7,000 people show up for your funeral.
That’s what happened in 1843 when Robert Murray McCheyne passed from typhus. McCheyne knew early on that God was calling him to something great. He committed himself to prayer every morning. He wrote poetry, hymns and letters concerning faith, God and the church. By the age of 22 he was the pastor of St. Peter’s Church in Dundee, which had over 1,100 regular attenders.
McCheyne was a great influencer of his day. This was before the internet, cell phones and social media apps. In 28 years, this young lad in Scotland had such a positive influence on his community, that men openly wept as they walked down the road after learning of his passing. What’s amazing is that he still influences us today.
When I think of McCheyne, I think of First Timothy chapter four. In verse 12, Paul writes, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Paul was telling a young Timothy to not let your youth be a stumbling block for people. They can and will look past it if you make these things a priority.
What is it that is a stumbling block between you and sharing the Gospel with others? We sometimes find that our minds work against us, and we convince ourselves that we are unworthy to share the Gospel, to act in a way that points people to Christ. Of course we’re not worthy, none of us are worthy. God chooses to use “unworthy” people for His purpose.
Sometimes we convince ourselves of some reason why we can’t share the Gospel or teach, or sing, or play or whatever the church may need. We need to stop making excuses. Go, live a life that points people to Jesus. Become an influencer for Christ, for the Kingdom, for God.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Glen
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