An Expanding Circle

One idea from the Formed Conference (October 8–10, 2026), hosted by Crosswalk Redlands, has really stayed with me. It came from a talk on Stewarding Influence. When we are saved through Jesus Christ, our lives start to show God’s reign. By His grace, and as we respond to the Holy Spirit, we are slowly shaped to be more like Jesus. As Paul says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT).

I think spiritual growth is more like an “expanding circle” than a progress chart or graph. A graph might show growth in one area, like patience, more consistent devotion, or stronger self-discipline. But just because we improve in one area doesn’t mean all our struggles are changing. God wants His grace to touch every part of our lives. As Paul prays, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, KJV). Sanctification isn’t just about getting better at one thing; it’s the Spirit changing our whole selves.

A few days ago, I got a thoughtful email from a former Ministerial student I taught at the Adventist University of the Philippines. He thanked me for the small role I played in his training and for supporting him and his family over the years. He also shared how my mentorship shaped his life and calling, sometimes in ways I didn’t realize at the time. Now, that influence has reached his own family and ministry.

His words reminded me that we might never know how much we impact others. Even a small act in someone’s life can keep making a difference long after we’ve forgotten about it.

The expanding circle shows me that when we let the Holy Spirit shape us, His influence goes beyond us. It reaches our families, our church, and even the world. As Christ changes us from the inside, His influence through us keeps growing.

-Pastor Lim