In a previous blog, I asked the question, “What’s your platform?” (You can read it here) Another important question is: “How will you use your platform?” How will you steward the place and the influence God has given you?

Your first reaction may be, “But wait, I’m not a public figure. People don’t look to me for wisdom. My voice isn’t influential.” But please think again. If you’re alive, you have a platform to steward. Your family, your friends, your co-workers, your social media connections, and anyone else you meet can be strongly influenced by your unique place in their lives. So, how will you use your platform?

The other day, my wife and I were eating a delicious meal at In-N-Out Burger. As I contemplated the unhealthy example I was setting, I happened to turn my empty french fry container over. Both of us saw an amazing sight: printed on the bottom was “Proverbs 24:16.” It was a Bible reference in a public restaurant! We looked it up right away. You may be doing that right now, too. It was an unlikely encounter with a company courageously and confidently using its platform.

Further research showed me that a number of companies print Bible verses on products and containers. Clothing retailer Forever 21 prints “John 3:16” on its shopping bags. In an interview with CNN in 2012, founder Do Won Chang said, “It shows us how much God loves us. The love he gave us, by giving us his only son, Jesus, was so unbelievable to me. I hoped others would learn of God’s love. So that’s why I put it there.”

A number of years ago, when my daughters were teenagers and in the midst of dating, my wife strategically placed crosses and signs with Bible verses in every room of our house. She was determined not only to ward off sinister boyfriend motives, but to shine the light of Jesus to every newcomer to our home. I jokingly called it “boyfriend evangelism,” but my wife was clearly, courageously and confidently using her platform to share hope and life in Jesus.

How are you using your platform to help others learn of God’s love?

The apostle Paul said, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22

How are you using your platform to bring the reality of Jesus to your family?
How are using your platform to keep the conversation constructive and caring among friends and colleagues?
How are you using your platform to show strangers that Jesus is present in this crazy world?
How are you using your platform to harness generosity and service for the sake of the Gospel?
How are you using your platform to be a church that reaches out and embraces all people with God’s grace?
How are you using your platform to promote prayer?
How are you using your platform to fuel God’s mission?
How are you using your platform to set the tone of forgiveness, humility and self-sacrifice?

You may not be printing french fry containers, but you have a platform. Your church has a platform. How can you use it well and for God’s glory?

(Take a look at 110 ways to reach your community for Christ from Glocal Mission)

By Rev. Michael W. Newman
President Elect
www.mnewman.org