Time magazine’s annual issue of the world’s 100 most influential people is out. I’ve gazed at the cover since it arrived, struck for the first time in a different way by the implication of its major feature. In year’s past I would peruse the edition with minimal interest, looking mainly to see which names I recognized. Not so this time. This year I was struck by the audacity of what it purported. To select and assign to one hundred people the status of “Most Influential” in the world doesn’t sit well with me anymore. Don’t get me wrong. I in no way disparage the contributions of any of them in their varied fields of art, politics, education, leadership in public and private sectors, religion, humanitarian efforts, etc. No, my resistance this year is to the notion that such a designation is assigned to any human being. For me, the world’s most influential person was and is Jesus. No one who has lived or will live, has or will have His influence. For more than two thousand years and continuing, the good news of His gospel influences humanity; and proclaims hope in a fallen world.
The annual edition of the Times would be better grounded in truth if it acknowledged what I believe to be our reality. Human influence in any sphere only goes so far and has only so much lasting effect. These individuals highlighted in this issue are probably sincerely engaged in the work for which they are honored. Nonetheless, individually and collectively, their efforts are limited by one thing: their humanity. Only the will and sovereignty of the Divine One who is Son of Man and Son of God has the power to reverse the issues of the times that try our souls. I believe He gives guidance and wisdom to those who believe in Him and seek to do their work in honor of Him. That 100 list probably includes many who do. But whatever influence any of them have that is not God directed will fail. Why? The complexities of human endeavors within our varied cultures stymie them and us. You know the culprits. Who amongst us who depend upon God to draw the breath that keeps us alive has influence needed to bring sense to the senseless? I opine no one who walks the earth. That moniker applies to only one. His name is Jesus and He resides with His Father over everything that comprises this space we term the world. My take.
Love. Joy. Peace.