ToddGaddisBook_October2023_8.5x5.5.indd

be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). It was once said, “If you depend on organization, you get what organization can do; if you depend on money, you get what money can do; if you depend on education, you get what educa tion can do; if you depend on promotion, you get what promotion can do; if you depend on prayer, you get what God can do.”Taking it a step further, JohnWesley stated, “God does nothing except in response to believing prayer.” Elijah, as a voice before God, exemplifies the above.Yet, note that he was an influencer among people as well. I heard him de scribed recently as a superhero of his day.That fits, considering the miracles he performed, evil he confronted and lives he affected. The apostle Paul, who penned a large portion of the New Testament, comes to mind as a significant influencer in his day, as well as throughout history. He boldly challenged the church at Corinth, “Be imitators of me” (1 Corinthians 11:1), a statement you won’t find believers making very often. Most are not confident enough in their faith to serve as role models. Many don’t want to draw attention to themselves or feel it depicts arrogance. And yet, now, more than ever, strong Christian voices and platforms are needed. If we don’t stand up and make a difference, someone else will. Influencers, most of them carnal and amoral, are at work; especially among Gen Z and Generation Alpha.This influence is spreading even more rapidly in this age of social media. Should you be among those who feel afraid or inadequate expressing your faith, note the other half of Paul’s statement just mentioned, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corin-

5