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The Most Influential Person In The World

Not everyone agrees on who is the most influential person in the history of the world. Even the top-ten lists do not. Some include scientists, inventors, philosophers and religious leaders.

Influential people have, no doubt, changed society—usually for the better. Rarely, though, do we have a personal encounter with one that dramatically changes our life. But there is one person, Jesus Christ, that every one of us has the opportunity to meet and become intimately acquainted with.

Following are eight things that characterize a relationship with Jesus Christ:

1. It is Gentle:

Jesus said, in Matthew 11:29-30, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” While a lot of relationships on earth are not enjoyable, one with Jesus will be restful and easy.

2. It is Secure:

A relationship with Jesus means always being led safely. John 8:12 says, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” Jesus promises a secure path. It is like a well-lit path, free of darkness and uncertainty.

3. It is Transformative:

We have all rebelled against God and have chosen to do things our own way. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We might think that we are good people, but the Bible says in Romans 3:12, “... there is no one who does good, not even one.” No one perfectly follows God. Jesus alone carries away our sins and changes us into individuals acceptable to God. Roman 5:19 says, “...so also through the obedience of the one man [Jesus, through His life and death], the many will be made righteous.”

4. It is Free:

Another difference between Jesus and all the rest of the significant people in the world is that Jesus offers a free gift to everyone. Romans 5:15: “...how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!” The word “grace” actually means “a free gift.” That gift must be accepted by surrendering our lives to Jesus as Savior and Lord.

5. It is Loving:

What a better way to demonstrate love for someone than by dying for that person. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” While we are sinful in our human nature, God’s love was demonstrated in Jesus’ death for us.

6. It is Dependable:

In John 6:47, Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes [in Me] has eternal life.” No other influential person who ever lived on earth promises to revive our mortal bodies to eternal life. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

7. It is Eternal:

Are you trusting in the “significant” people of your life to give you lasting happiness and security? Only Jesus offers total security. He said in John 6:35, “…he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” (NASB). It is necessary to go to Him and believe in Him. Can you imagine a promise of everlasting, emotional satisfaction? John 10:28 says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Though significant people have impacted our lives, none of them can change our eternal lives like Jesus. Jesus made an exclusive claim about Himself in John 11:25-26: “…I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” We are promised an eternal relationship through Him who came into the world to save everyone—you included.

8. It is Simple:

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” It is very comforting to know that we can’t do anything to receive salvation. That is easy! Faith, simple as it is, means to believe and trust in a person or a thing. Faith in Jesus is the way by which we are saved. Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Imagine knowing that we don’t face condemnation.

Is there any reason why you wouldn’t want to do these four things?

1. Admit to Jesus that you are a sinner.

2. Believe that Jesus died for you.

3. Ask for His forgiveness.

4. Give Him your whole life?

Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

No other significant person can offer you the same promise or wants to have a relationship with you that will save you from the penalty of death and Hell.

Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2010 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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