Two weeks ago, I wrote about the funerals of Judge Tom Wine and Coach Denny Crum. I received several emails thanking me for the tributes, and after reading them, I thought of a famous sermon from J. Wallace Hamilton called “How Long Is Your Shadow?” In the sermon, Dr. Hamilton made a memorable point about the power of an unwitting influence based on Acts 5:15, which reads, “… people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” (In those days, people believed a good man’s shadow carried healing power. So they pressed in close to Peter, hoping his shadow would fall on them so they could be healed.) Commenting on the verse, Dr. Hamilton wrote, “Everyone one of us does cast some kind of a shadow that heals or hurts, that blesses or blights. Your shadow is your influence, the effect you have on other people. You can no more keep from exerting an influence than you can keep from casting a shadow on a sunny day.”
The childhood rhyme from Robert Louis Stevenson muses:
“I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.”
Our shadow follows us constantly. It quietly touches and impacts the lives of others, often significantly, in ways we do not see — and may never know about until we get to heaven.
That is why the Bible speaks often about the power of influence. For example, the Apostle Paul wrote, “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall” (Romans 14:21). In other words, be alert to the impact and the length of your shadow.
Paul wrote to his understudy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy’s example would be more impactful than his preaching.
The influence of Jesus on His followers was not just the words He spoke but the perfect example he set for 33 years. Simon Peter wrote, “To this, you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
Consider the person who has influenced you the most. If asked to list five things that person said that made a difference in your life, you probably would struggle to remember much of what they said. Instead, you would likely answer, “It wasn’t as much of what they said, but who they were. I learned more by just observing how they acted and interacted with people.”
Indeed. The long shadow of influence cast by Judge Tom Wine and Coach Denny Crum impacted many, as depicted in a few of the comments I received.
“Bob, Your most recent blog on Tom Wine and Denny Crum brought tears of joy to my eyes. Thank you! Terry”
From what I could tell, this man had not personally met Judge Wine or Coach Crum. Yet what moved him to tears? It was the power of lives well-lived that was influential for him. They both cast a long shadow that touched many lives, even those they never met.
“Dear Bob, Thanks for your comments on Denny Crum. A short story on him and his baptism: About 20 years ago, there was a Young Life golf fundraiser near Evansville, Indiana. A whole busload of Louisville golfers and spouses went for an overnighter. The Louisville team included Denny Crum.
During the trip, we were asked to each give our name and, if we wanted, give a short comment or two. When the time came for Denny to speak, of course, everyone already knew who he was, but he introduced himself anyway. He then said the most significant thing that has ever happened in his life was not winning two NCAA championships, Final Fours, or anything to do with his teams. It was when he was baptized as a Christian. That was very meaningful to everyone on the bus. Thought you might be interested.” God Bless, Robbie
I want you also to notice that the incident the man describes includes Denny’s verbal testimony. St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel — and if necessary, use words.” Indeed, actions that reflect the gospel can be a powerful testimony. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). So while a life well-lived can be a powerful influence, it cannot be your only testimony. Otherwise, people reflecting on your life may praise your good deeds rather than see that you lived to glorify Christ. So it is often necessary to give a verbal testimony for Christ. Like the two prongs of a nutcracker, both the good deed and the verbal witness are necessary for others to understand who motivates you.
“After witnessing Denny Crum’s baptism, my husband nudged me and said, ‘It’s time for me to follow one of my all-time favorite heroes.’ The next weekend he went forward to be baptized. I’m sure he was one of the many to follow Denny’s footsteps. Thank you for bringing back wonderful memories.” Kelly
How long is your shadow? You may not be a powerful judge or famous basketball coach, but your shadow touches more people than you imagine. Only eternity will ultimately reveal the influence your life had on others. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
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