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I do not personally agree with Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the singing of the National Anthem at his team's NFL game, but as a free citizen of our great country he does have that right. I am not writing this for political reasons, but to point out the power of one person's influence - good or bad.
Before Colin, a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, knelt on the sidelines during the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner" before a game, I don't remember any news coverage of anyone else doing that. Suddenly, because of the division in our country, the news outlets picked the story up and ran with it. It has been the topic of endless discussion.
Once Colin chose to express his view and take a stand for his belief by protesting in this way, it is like he opened the door and gave permission for others to do the same. First we saw other NFL players kneeling, then college players, and now even those who are in high school. There has also been a story of a soccer player who has chosen the same way of protesting.
Whether we agree with what they are doing or not, it is clearly an example of how we influence those around us. It is true that Colin is in a more visible place than most of us, but no matter who we are, we are affecting those around us. It would probably even surprise us to know how many people look to use and follow our example.
As we go through our days, we should be mindful of the fact that we are having an impact on others. It may be our children, our family, our friends, our co-workers, or people at church. The Apostle Paul could confidently say, "Be an imitator of me as I am of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1) We are told in Ephesians 4:1 to "Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called." Philippians 1:27 says, "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."
Are our lives a reflection of Jesus Christ? Are we walking in a manner worthy of the gospel? We all our influencers and it is our choice what kind we will be. People are watching. What are we showing them?