The Daily Grind with Matt Clarke

Do They Think of You?

Written by Matt Clarke | March 17, 2026

 

Paul's journey had taken him through Ephesus on multiple occasions. He taught them, pastored them, wrote them letters, and just loved them well. On his way back to Jerusalem, he decided to swing in one more time to check on them and to say goodbye one last time, as he knew he would not be coming back. 

He chatted it up with the elders and gave them a few reminders of how to lead:

  • Work hard and don't be a burden to the people
  • Be humble and stay vigilant through tough times
  • Be consistent, not convenient with your message
  • Guard yourselves
  • Feed and shepherd God's flock
  • Beware of false teachers, even if they are insiders
  • Don't covet
  • Be full of grace
  • Help those in need and be generous

Then, as he prepared to leave, he got down on his knees and prayed with them. And they all cried.

"When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him goodbye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship." (Acts 20:36-38)

When you walk out of a room, what's left behind? 

What about when you leave the house? Are people feeling relieved you are gone, or do they mourn your absence? Did you leave them better for the encounter?

I was asked recently to think about a person who has had a profound positive effect on my life and elicits emotions of gratitude and peace in my soul. Someone who has taught me well, and when I think about my life to this point, I can draw a direct line to them. I immediately thought of a few people who have filled my cup to the point of overflow. Just the thought of them brought my stress down and my joy up. But then I was haunted by the follow-up question that triggered in my head. Would I be the answer to this question for anyone? Would you?

Paul's mission in life was to love people in such a way that Christ was revealed to them. That was his life's work. It wasn't always the case, however. He started off just the opposite and changed through an encounter with Jesus. At one point, people would duck and cover when they saw him coming, but once he discovered his purpose, people wept with love and gratitude when he left. An encounter with Jesus changed everything.

I want us to live that way-- to be vigilant in all we do to leave people better for the encounter at work, at home, with family, friends, or strangers; the mission is the same. I want us to serve and love in such a way that at the end of the day, when we walk out of the room, what's left behind are great memories, an example to follow, and the desire to be better. Leave behind the love of Christ so strongly that when people are asked who they think of when asked who had a profound impact on their life, they think of you.
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