“… [Jesus] said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Mark 4:35 - 39
A blast radius is the distance from the source that will be affected when an explosion occurs. A blast radius is often associated with bombs, mines, explosive projectiles (propelled grenades), and other weapons with an explosive charge (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blast_radius). Simply put, a blast radius is the area affected when an explosive device is detonated – the closer you are to the source of the explosion the more devastating the damage.
Once you accepted Jesus as your Savior he became your source and dwells within you. Now, because of your proximity to God through Christ you have a “Blessed Radius” – the closer you are to Christ the more blessed you and those around you will be.
In Mark 4:35-39, Jesus tells his disciples that they are going to cross over to the other side, but on their way, they encounter a storm. The passage informs us that there were other boats that crossed over with Jesus and his disciples. We do not know who were on these boats, but we do know the same storm Jesus and his disciples faced the other boats faced as well. Though Jesus was not physically on the other boats when he calmed the winds and waves they received the blessing too. This is why our proximity to Jesus is critical, not just for our lives but for the lives of those around us.
Think about the “others” around you – your family, friends and associates. Is there more you can be doing as a Christian to be a blessing unto them?
Doing these three simple things will increase your Blessed Radius:
- Sow: Sow into those around you – not just financially, but sow with your time, words of encouragement and deeds. “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” -Luke 6:38
- Pray: Prayer allots us direct communication with God. Pray that those around you are blessed and favored by God. As Christians, we should have a desire to see everyone living in God’s grace, especially those around us. “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” -Job 42:10
- Glorify: In all you do, achieve and obtain give God the glory. Displaying a strong and meaningful relationship with God inspires those around you to want the same. Share your testimony, so that when God elevates you He will receive all the glory. “…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5;16
Therefore, we must judge our effectiveness as Christians by the blessings of those around us.