Those who follow Jesus become a model for other people. As we follow Jesus daily, others are inspired by how we love Jesus and seek to know him more and more. Others can see what it means to honor and serve Jesus through our lives.

Jesus called his disciples to live in such a way that would inspire others to glorify God,

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5: 16 (NIV)

The apostle Paul’s example of faith amidst suffering was an inspiration for the believers in Thessalonica, who in term became an example to others:

“You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7

Even if our testimony is not as dramatic as Paul’s, God can use it to inspire others to follow Jesus and learn from him and his word.

God gives his people the privilege to guide others into studying and practicing of his word. And there is no other treasure in this world like the Word of God. The Word of God is a treasure of divine wisdom, inspiration and guidance for one’s life.

The psalmist sang of how blessed the person is who delights in and meditates on the Word of God, comparing this person with a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season (Psalms 1:2-3). And in Psalm 119, the writer describes the many benefits in life that come from knowing and keeping God’s Word, such as keeping one from sinning, giving strength in sorrow, preserving one from seeking after worthless things, giving us hope in trials and much more.

God reveals himself through his Word. As we guide other people to study the Bible, they will come to understand how precious God’s Word is. They will be blessed by it and become a blessing to others as they are molded by it.

One thing people will find in the Bible, as they study it, is God’s calling for their lives and the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit imparts to his people.

One exciting part of the Christian life is that we follow and learn from Jesus every day. Another exciting thing is to be able to inspire others to flourish. There are ways in which we can be used by God to lead others to flourish in their relationship with him.

God has a call for every one of his people, and it is an exciting privilege to be used by God in helping others to find God’s call for their lives.

Each person who follows Jesus is part of God’s great purpose and plan. We are the people called out by God. As the apostle Peter proclaimed:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” — 1 Peter 2:9

There are those who have not yet realized their purpose and mission in life and what part they can play in the kingdom of God. We can pray that God will use us to lead them into God’s purpose for their lives.

A part of leading others to find God’s call for their lives is to help them discover the spiritual gifts that God has prepared for them. God not only calls his people into a purpose, but he also presents them with spiritual gifts. And we can help others discover the spiritual gifts that God has given them, as we study with them the Bible and pray to God together and serve him.

In conclusion, we can inspire others to flourish by following Jesus daily, leading them into God’s Word, and by helping them discover God’s purpose for their lives and the spiritual gifts he has for them.

Interested in learning how to inspire others with a career in ministry? GCU can get you started with our theology and ministry degree programs, offered by the College of Theology. Read more Theology Thursday and fill out the form on this page to learn more.

Approved by faculty for the College of Theology on April 11, 2023.