IMPACT By Deborah Elegbede

We all CAN impact lives. However, before we delve into discussing the possibilities of making impact in our worlds, let’s check the English meaning of the word ‘impact’ to lay a foundation. The word ‘impact’, could either be a noun, or a verb. Basically, a noun is a ‘naming word’, and a verb is an ‘action word’. Both have different effects.

The word ‘impact’ as a noun is synonymous with words such as: affect, influence, make an impression, exert an influence, act, transform, shape, alter, modify, govern, determine, decide etc.

From what we have gleaned so far, it could be defined as: an act to exert an influence, or to make an impression in a certain sphere, such that the one who made the impression is named after it, whether good, or evil. This definition awakens in our minds the consciousness of the truth that impact could be made in two ways; positive or negative.

To impact is also an ‘art', to transform, shape, change, modify, govern, or determine the course of things in a particular place, at a particular time, and period. Apart from being an act, it is also an art. It employs creativity.

Many people desire to make impact – to be known for something. The question is: Why do you want to make impact? People give a lot of reasons, but what’s the real motive behind our intentions to make impact in our world? Is it for fame? Name? Money? Until our motives are made totally pure and genuine, there is a limit to the effects our impact would make. Indeed, we could make impact on earth and be applauded by the entire congregation of humanity. But what about eternal relevance? Of what use is our earthly impact if it is weightless on the other side of heaven? Think about that for a minute.

How can we make impact? Finding purpose, simply put! We have to meet our creator, The One who commands creativity, whose work of art we are, to reveal to us the core reason for our existence. Finding purpose is the first step to impacting lives. And this is very important: we must know that there are many destinies tied to ours and are waiting for us to make a decision. So we must pay attention to what or who influences us. The decision we make, positive or negative, will affect many generations. So we must think it through very carefully. How to find purpose cannot be exhausted in this write-up, however, one of the pointers is our passion; the thing or things we are aching to do or be.

Lastly, Jesus Christ, while on earth, making impact, could do nothing of Himself. (John 5:19). He needed to rely totally on the Father to fulfill His life’s purpose correctly. Some are fulfilling purpose, but in the wrong direction. We all need God to make the right kinds of impact in our world. Only He can help us do so, and in the right way.