Who You Are When No One's Looking Ch 11

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary message Jesus conveys about dealing with darkness?

Ignore the darkness completely.

Focus on the darkness and its effects.

Worry about how to eliminate darkness.

Leverage the light within you. (correct)

What is often the misconception people have about their influence?

They refuse to recognize their influence at all.

They think their influence is only valuable in large groups.

They believe they are highly influential individuals.

They feel their influence is insignificant. (correct)

According to the content, what is the greatest thing we should spread in the world?

Love (correct)

Joy

Hope

Faith

What activity is suggested as a starting point for making a difference in the workplace?

Showing kindness and a civil attitude. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the first church take that greatly influenced their region, according to the content?

Meeting each other's needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary argument made about the impact of individuals in the chapter?

Every individual interacts with and influences others significantly. Signup and view all the answers

According to the teachings of Jesus referenced in this chapter, what metaphor is used to describe the importance of maximizing influence?

A lamp that should not be hidden. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'salad-bowl approach' symbolize in the context of the text?

Hiding or minimizing one's influence. Signup and view all the answers

In reflecting on the nature of influence, what does the text suggest is a common misconception held by individuals?

Only those in power can have an impact. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'maximized approach' regarding influence as described in the content?

Ensuring that one's positive traits are visible and influential. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary goals of the church in the town outside the capital of Costa Rica?

To influence their community by meeting practical needs Signup and view all the answers

What example of injustice did James Meeks highlight in his ministry?

Educational injustice in the Chicago public school system Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, why is it important to confront injustice?

To fulfill a moral obligation and align with God's perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a critical first step in addressing injustices?

Meeting practical needs of the community Signup and view all the answers

How does the church in Costa Rica's influence on the town reflect their mission?

By directly addressing the needs and challenges faced by the community Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest about the process of confronting systemic racial injustice?

It requires stepping outside personal comfort zones and accepting responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What comprehensive approach to fighting violence is proposed during the Leadership Summit?

Getting involved in initiatives that end violence against innocent people Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the social issues highlighted as needing attention beyond providing shelter?

The systemic mistreatment of vulnerable individuals Signup and view all the answers

What does Micah 6:8 emphasize as a requirement from the Lord?

To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly Signup and view all the answers

In fighting economic injustices, what action is mentioned that people might take?

Supporting fair trade initiatives Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Influence: Everyone Matters

The text highlights the influence we have on those around us.
- We affect others through our behaviors, choices, and interactions.
- Even small actions, like facial expressions, can have an impact.

The Power of Light: Jesus' Metaphor

Jesus uses light and darkness as a metaphor for influence.
- We are the light in a world increasingly filled with darkness.
- Our choice is to maximize our influence, just as we would position a lamp to illuminate a whole house.

Light vs. Darkness: A Daily Struggle

The text emphasizes the constant struggle against encroaching darkness.
- This darkness is represented by evil, oppression, injustice, and various forms of sin.
- Each of us has a responsibility to use our light to combat these forces.

Levering Our Influence: Beyond the Salad Bowl

The text challenges us to move beyond a self-limiting mindset.
- We are not insignificant or powerless, despite what we might perceive.
- We should actively seek to use our influence for positive change, not hide it.

Love: The Foundation of Positive Change

Love is the foundation for a positive influence.
- Spreading love, kindness, and common courtesies is a fundamental aspect of following Christ.

Meeting Needs: Making a Concrete Impact

Meeting practical needs directly impacts a community.
- The text provides examples of churches influencing their communities by providing practical assistance to those in need.

Confronting Injustice: Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zones

Confronting injustices is a necessary step beyond simply offering love and meeting needs.
- This often involves tackling deep-rooted issues and challenging systems of oppression.
- The text cites examples of churches actively addressing educational and racial injustices.

Ending Violence: A Call to Action

Ending violence is a higher level of influence, requiring direct involvement in movements to stop violence against innocent people.
- This calls for confronting issues like human trafficking, slave labor, and political persecution.

The Ultimate Goal: Reconciliation with Christ

The text posits reconciliation to Christ as the highest and best use of our influence.
- This includes both fearless proclamation of the gospel and active work of restoring people to God's love.
- The early Church serves as an example of this dual approach.

A Story of Transformation

The text concludes with a powerful personal story of a woman who was led to Christ through personal interaction and subsequent encouragement.
- This story demonstrates how small acts of kindness and connection can lead to profound transformations.
- It illustrates the possibility of a life redeemed and restored through faith.

Reconciliation and Transformation

Transformation happens not only for eternity but also in the time between here and heaven.
Evangelism and character are needed to influence the world.

Cultivating Godly Character

Finding a mentor or someone who has influenced you positively and thanking them for their impact.
Choosing virtue over selfishness, apathy, and greed requires courage and strength.
Asking ourselves key questions to assess our character:
- Are we becoming more courageous and disciplined?
- Is our passion for God's calling still strong?
- Do others perceive us as resilient and loving?
Reflecting on how our character traits are impacting our lives: are they leading us towards loving, serving, and sharing our faith?

The Power of Coming to Our Senses

The prodigal son, in the Bible story, "came to his senses" and changed his trajectory.
We may need to look beneath the surface of our lives to see our behavior patterns and their consequences.
We may come to a defining moment when we realize the need for a change, driven by pain, guilt, boredom, or self-centeredness.
The decision to change is a powerful step that brings hope and leads to a new path.
The development of "Christ-like" character is an ongoing process, a fight, but it is worth it.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of influence as described in the text, highlighting how our actions and choices affect those around us. Additionally, it delves into the metaphor of light and darkness used by Jesus to illustrate the struggle against evil and the importance of maximizing our impact in the world.