It Only Takes One Rotten Apple

Have you made any positive contributions within your community? There’s an old saying about one rotten apple spoiling a whole barrel, and it’s true. We can see it in business, in churches, in sports - almost anywhere. The power to influence people around us is far too undervalued.

The Apostle Paul expressed his concerns about the likely consequences of the conspicuous misbehaviour of one member of the community at Corinth. ‘A little yeast has its effect all through the dough,’ he frets. And he’s right! Regardless of our position, each of us has an impact on the family.

So it’s fair to ask, what effect is our way of living, speaking, driving, working, praying, sharing or not sharing, having on the people around us? Are we encouraging or discouraging them? Do they walk more readily and confidently with God because we are here, or do they pull away because of us?

God has given each of us great power for good in the force of our example. How are we using that power?


Loving God, we offer ourselves as Your servants, to be the strength for those who have no strength, the voice for those who cannot speak, the friend for those who have no friends. But as we serve You Lord, help us to be a guide, rather than a controller, a spirit lifter rather than a spirit destroyer and the hands of one who loves, rather than one who controls. May the strengths You bestow upon us always be used to glorify Your name and help Your children. In Christ’s love, we pray. Amen

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