Our influence is something that cannot be overestimated. Christians are to go into the world and teach individuals about the Lord.
One way we do this is by the things we do, realizing there will be either a positive or negative effect on those around us.
Jesus put it this way, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:13-16).
If we forget that we as a Christian are the “salt of the earth,” we, too, can become useless in the Lord’s work. When this happens we cause a great hardship on the family of God.
It is a very serious matter. Many scriptures teach us that we are to stand boldly and constantly for the Lord. Not just when it fits our schedules and desires.
We must ever be aware of those upon whom we have an influence. If we fail to stand for the Lord, by our teaching and actions, we can never expect to convince them that religion is important.
Most people realize the need to have a positive effect at their work place. Christians will spend countless hours at their jobs, and that is how a Christian is supposed to be - a dedicated hard worker giving their best for their employer.
Yet, the question must be asked, “Do we work as hard to have a positive effect on the work of God as we do to have a positive effect at our secular positions?” How many hours are willingly given in service to God? How much sweat of the brow falls to the ground while doing the Lord’s work? Do we promote God as much as we promote our businesses? Do we spend as many hours planning on how to be a more effective Christian as we do to planning our business moves?
Just what are some ways we can affect the work of the Lord? Well, as was stated previously, by our influence is an important way.
Paul told the elders from Ephesus, “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).
Notice his words, “but have showed you.” Not only did he teach them, but he showed them things that were profitable for them spiritually. We can affect those around us by showing Christ in our lives. The world is full of people who doubt God or who have come upon Sunday-only Christians. We need to seek to have a positive effect on those we are around.
We affect people’s ideas about God by the way we speak. James by inspiration dedicated almost an entire chapter to this topic. The problem of controlling the tongue is not a new one but is an important one.
James wrote, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body ... Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:2-8).
The effect a cursing Christian has on the work is devastating. How can one who is trying to convert souls to Christ do so if they have destroyed their influence with their words?
“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be (James 3:10).
We need to spend time thinking about and then acting upon our thoughts, as to how to have a positive effect on the work of God. Our nation once again needs to be known for its stance for God.
One way we do this is by the things we do, realizing there will be either a positive or negative effect on those around us.
Jesus put it this way, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:13-16).
If we forget that we as a Christian are the “salt of the earth,” we, too, can become useless in the Lord’s work. When this happens we cause a great hardship on the family of God.
It is a very serious matter. Many scriptures teach us that we are to stand boldly and constantly for the Lord. Not just when it fits our schedules and desires.
We must ever be aware of those upon whom we have an influence. If we fail to stand for the Lord, by our teaching and actions, we can never expect to convince them that religion is important.
Most people realize the need to have a positive effect at their work place. Christians will spend countless hours at their jobs, and that is how a Christian is supposed to be - a dedicated hard worker giving their best for their employer.
Yet, the question must be asked, “Do we work as hard to have a positive effect on the work of God as we do to have a positive effect at our secular positions?” How many hours are willingly given in service to God? How much sweat of the brow falls to the ground while doing the Lord’s work? Do we promote God as much as we promote our businesses? Do we spend as many hours planning on how to be a more effective Christian as we do to planning our business moves?
Just what are some ways we can affect the work of the Lord? Well, as was stated previously, by our influence is an important way.
Paul told the elders from Ephesus, “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).
Notice his words, “but have showed you.” Not only did he teach them, but he showed them things that were profitable for them spiritually. We can affect those around us by showing Christ in our lives. The world is full of people who doubt God or who have come upon Sunday-only Christians. We need to seek to have a positive effect on those we are around.
We affect people’s ideas about God by the way we speak. James by inspiration dedicated almost an entire chapter to this topic. The problem of controlling the tongue is not a new one but is an important one.
James wrote, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body ... Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:2-8).
The effect a cursing Christian has on the work is devastating. How can one who is trying to convert souls to Christ do so if they have destroyed their influence with their words?
“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be (James 3:10).
We need to spend time thinking about and then acting upon our thoughts, as to how to have a positive effect on the work of God. Our nation once again needs to be known for its stance for God.