When we think about the impact our faith has on those around us, it's natural to wonder if we can actually measure that influence. The question isn't just whether we're making a difference, but how we can evaluate and improve the way our faith touches the lives of our neighbors.
Building Relationships Over Transactions
True impact happens through relationships, not transactions. When Jesus called His first disciples in Matthew 4, He wasn't looking for a one-time commitment or a quick decision. He was inviting them into a transformative relationship that would change everything about who they were.
People take steps closer to Jesus as we build trust and invite them into His family. This journey typically moves through stages: from being closed off to the gospel, to becoming curious and open, to actively considering Jesus's claims, and finally to choosing to follow Him completely.
The Four Filters of Trust
Whether we realize it or not, people evaluate us through four key filters when deciding whether to trust us or build a relationship with us:
- Character: Can I Trust You?
This is about integrity and trustworthiness. When people meet you, do they sense that you're genuine and reliable? - Chemistry: Do I Like You?
This involves approachability and likability. Are you someone people naturally want to be around and talk to? - Competence: Do You Know What You're Talking About?
This is about having the knowledge and ability to deliver on what you promise or discuss. - Credibility: Do You Understand My Situation? This means adapting your knowledge to someone's specific circumstances and needs.
When Neighbors Meet You, They Meet Jesus
Here's a profound truth: when our neighbors meet us, they encounter the character and chemistry of Jesus through us. This isn't just a nice idea—it's the reality of how God works through His people.
Jesus told His disciples, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." He takes responsibility for shaping us into people who can effectively reach others. As we engage in spiritual practices and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, our attitudes toward people change.
Your Personality Plus Jesus
God doesn't want a truncated or fake version of your personality. He wants your natural personality filled with the character of Jesus. This is the personal connection the Holy Spirit wants to use to reach your neighbors.
The Gospel doesn't come to new people through angels—it comes through humans with flesh on, made in the image of God. You are the one God wants to use to reach your neighbors.
Spiritual Maturity Includes Emotional Maturity
There's no spiritual maturity that ignores emotional maturity. If we're disciplined in Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance but remain unapproachable and unlikable, we're not truly spiritually mature.
As we practice authentic relationships within our church family and learn to be vulnerable with one another, we develop the skills needed to connect genuinely with neighbors who don't yet know Jesus.
You Are Competent to Share the Gospel
If you know Jesus, you are competent to preach the gospel. This might feel overwhelming, but remember that "preaching" often happens in everyday conversations, not just from pulpits.
You don't need to have everything figured out or be able to answer every doubt. You can take simple gospel actions from where you are:
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Ask if you can pray for someone
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Share your story of how Jesus changed your life
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Invite someone to look at the Bible with you
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Welcome them to your life group
These actions only make sense if the gospel is true, and they demonstrate your faith in practical ways.
Let the Gospel Story Do the Heavy Lifting
You don't have to impress people into the kingdom or debate them into faith. While your life should reflect Jesus's character and people should feel His welcome through you, you also need to actually talk about Jesus.
The story of Jesus is what transforms lives. The Spirit works through the gospel when people hear and understand it. Your role is to live authentically while pointing people to the impressive story of Jesus Himself.
Credibility Through Community
No one finds our gospel credible if it looks like we don't want them. Our church community gives us credibility that we don't have going solo. When we demonstrate authentic love, walk in the Spirit's power, and welcome people genuinely, our message becomes believable.
If our public presence—whether in person or online—is inconsistent with Jesus, people won't believe our words about Him. We must walk in love, demonstrate the Spirit's power, and be prepared to help people learn how to follow Jesus.
Life Application
This week, focus on building one trust-based relationship with a neighbor who doesn't yet know Jesus. Remember that you're not manufacturing this impact on your own—Jesus is making you sufficient for this work as He transforms you from the inside out.
Consider these questions as you apply this message:
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Which of the four trust filters (character, chemistry, competence, credibility) do I most need to work on in my relationships?
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How can I be more responsive to small opportunities to pray for someone or start a gospel conversation this week?
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What specific neighbor or coworker can I begin building a deeper, more authentic relationship with?
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Am I actually talking about Jesus in my relationships, or am I just trying to be a good example?
Remember, it takes time to make an impact, but you're not alone in this. Jesus is working through you, your church family supports you, and you are competent to share the gospel right where you are.