BE A GENERATIONAL INFLUENCER IN YOUR REALM (2)

Date: 05/12/25

Christian Treasures Devotion

Topic: Be a Generational Influencer in Your Realm (2)

Scriptural Reference: 1 Peter 2:9 - “But you are not like that; for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.”

Be blessed as you read in Jesus' name, amen. For this devotion, every Christian who uses their innovative career to positively advance society while integrating their beliefs into their work is considered an influencer. Let’s look at some notable figures.

Gregor Mendel (1822-1884):: Known as the father of Micro Genetics, Mendel was a Christian famous for his study of inheritance of traits in pea plants. He proposed that traits are passed through factors called genes. He believed that genes come in pairs and can be inherited by offspring without one gene interfering with or influencing the other. His strong Christian background likely shaped his understanding of this inheritance. Human beings, too, inherit traits from their parents or ancestors through DNA—such as the way we talk, walk, look, and even our height and eye color.

Charles Babbage (1791-1871): Growing up in a devout Protestant home, Babbage invented the first mechanical computer in 1837, earning the title "Father of Computers." He defended miracles in his writings, explicitly countering the agnostic views of David Hume. A lover of God, Babbage stated, “The works of the Creator, ever present to our senses, give a living and perpetual testimony of His power and goodness, far surpassing any evidence transmitted through human testimony. The testimony of man becomes fainter at every stage of transmission, whilst each new inquiry into the works of the Almighty gives us more exalted views of His wisdom, goodness, and power.”

James Prescott Joule (1818-1889): Joule strongly opposed Charles Darwin’s theory of Darwinism, which contradicts the creation story in the Bible and promotes the idea of “survival of the fittest.” He is also regarded as the founder of Thermodynamics, having proved the principle of energy conservation through his experiments. A believer in the Bible, he joined other members of the Royal Society in opposing Darwinism.

Charles Townes (1915-2015): An American physicist, Townes is known for discovering the black hole at the center of the Milky Way. He stated, “The beauty of nature is obviously God-made, and that God created the universe for humans to enjoy and flourish.” He was a man of prayer and believed that religion addresses the most important questions of existence, including the meaning and purpose of life.

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543): A profound Christian, Copernicus believed that God was a great organizer and meticulous in His creation of the universe. He suggested that the nature of God's work exhibits symmetry and that God was a mathematician. According to Copernicus, God created us in His image so that we could share in His nature.

These individuals have demonstrated through their actions that they are chosen to do good works for humanity in their respective fields. They reign as kings and positively influence generations. We can learn from their examples and impact our generation for God while acknowledging Him in our efforts.

Note: Many more prominent Christians have made significant positive impacts on the world while referencing God in their work. Both dead and alive, they deserve celebration. In contrast, some, like the late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, have claimed that “There is no God.”