LIVING FOR GOD: INFLUENCE

We continue our examination of six principles/characteristics we should exhibit in our lives as we live for God. Each of these begins with one of the letters in the word living: Lord, Imitation, Vigilant, Influence, Not ashamed, and Growing. We have previously considered three of these. If we want to live for God we must make Jesus Lord and ruler of our lives; we must imitate Christ as our example; we must be vigilant in our preparation for His return.

INFLUENCE
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16). Salt and light have a powerful influence on their surroundings. Salt is used to add flavoring to food. When you add salt to food, it has a distinct impact on the taste. Light has a powerful ability to dispel darkness. One small light bulb can bring light to a dark room. Both of them penetrate their environment and their influence spreads. Jesus tells us we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We are to have a powerful influence on our world. Too often, it works the other way and the world influences us. As Christians, we should be examples to the world. You can live your life in such a way that people look at you and say “There is a Christian.” Or, you can live and cause them to say, “There is a Christian?”

Paul tells Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Even the young are instructed to be examples. The question arises, “How young is young?” Timothy was at least in his late 20’s if not in his 30’s when Paul wrote this to him. In our society, middle age is usually thought of as beginning at 40, or thereabout. Youth could then be classified as anything under that. However, youth is also relative. There was a time I thought 30 was old, now it seems much younger. At one time, 50 seemed ancient, but it is looking younger everyday. I guess what I am saying is do not let your age be an excuse not to adhere to the admonition of this verse. We all have a responsibility to be an example to others. Older Christians should certainly be examples to the younger, but the younger Christians can also have a great influence on the older.

In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul admonished them, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). We discussed last week that Christ is to be our supreme example, but Paul tells the Corinthians to imitate him. He does qualify the statement by adding “Just as I also imitate Christ.” Can we admonish our fellow Christians and fellowman to follow our example? We can if we are following the example of Christ.

If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
--Lamar