In our culture we give great importance to wisdom, education, status, and influence. I’m always amazed at the honorary doctorates that are bestowed upon celebrities, influencers, or high-profile people. Some are deserving of the honor. Most are probably not. It is good PR for the educational institution. Plus, it’s not a bad way to raise funds.

I recently attended a graduation at Christian Brothers University in Memphis. The keynote speaker was a news anchor for the local TV channel – Joe Burch. He was a graduate from CBU. His wife and two sons were graduates. He’d served the university as an alumnus all throughout his adult life. He was bestowed an honorary doctorate. My first thought was, “great, here’s another one!” Shame on me. He was totally shocked and humbled by the honor! He delivered one of the best commencement speeches I’ve ever heard. He made engaging and provocative comments. The conclusion of his speech pointed towards a whole myriad of people, churches, and organizations that worked together to totally rebuild the dilapidated house of a woman in Memphis that he’d come to know and love by delivering weekly Wheels on Meals to her and her husband. Did you get that part of the story? A TV personality delivering Meals on Wheels…for years, not just for a photo op!!!! It was an amazing story of community, service, and selfless love. It was not about him at all. It was all about God and God’s community working together at its best. He was simply the “influencer.”

Maybe that would be a good identity for Christians – influencers for Jesus, inviting folks to join us in the work of loving others as Jesus loves us. Paul refers to it as the “foolishness of the proclamation.” Dr. Burch said there was no way he could have pulled off the home rebuild on his own. He did not have the skills set, the money, nor the ability. What he did have was a love for God and God’s people. He made a couple of phone calls, and the total project came together. Soon, people were contacting him wanting to help in the project. Amazing!!! The foolishness of the cross, the foolishness of the proclamation is where true wisdom and strength comes.

In the week to come, may we seek to be an influencer for Jesus and just watch what God will do!