Influence is a two-edged sword. On one side, influence can be and is a powerful tool for good. However, on the other side, influence can be and is a powerful tool for evil as demonstrated by the moral and spiritual condition of the nation in which we live.
As Christians, we are in the world, but not of the world (John 17:12-16). We belong to Christ after having obeyed His Gospel. Therefore, we live in a Christ-like manner. We will not be conformed to the world, but we will transform ourselves into the image of the Christ our Savior (Romans 8:29). As Christians, we have been called out of the world of darkness of sin and into the marvelous light of Christ by the Gospel. Because we have answered the call of the Gospel, we are to make a difference in this world. We are to exert an influence for good in this world of sin and wickedness. Let’s examine some terms that describe the actions and power of Christian influence.
First, our influence as Christians must be positive. It is possible for our influence as Christians to be negative or harmful. Our influence—positive or negative—is manifested by how we conduct ourselves in words, actions and dispositions toward others. It is possible to turn people away from the Gospel of Christ simply by conducting ourselves toward others in an un-Christ-like manner. There is no excuse for men rejecting the Gospel, but let it be also said there is no excuse for hypocritical conduct by the children of God.
The best demonstration of the power of the Gospel is for others to see its good effect in our lives. We are to imitate Christ who is our perfect example (1 Peter 2:21). When we live Christ-like before others who are without Christ, we can influence them by our conduct to obey the Gospel (1 Peter 3:1-2). We teach the Gospel not just orally, but also when we conduct ourselves in a Christ-like manner.
Second, our influence as Christians must be bright (Matthew 5:14-16). Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12). As Christians, we are to shine as lights in this present world, which is full of darkness. We understand that we do not shine our own personal lights, but rather by conforming our lives to the One who died for us and who has redeemed us through His blood, we are letting His image live in us. Thus, as we live, we are letting the light of Christ and the Gospel be seen in us. Christ’s light is manifested by our conduct, which will in turn have a positive influence on others (Matthew 5:16).
Third, our influence as Christians must be flavorful (Matthew 5:13). Salt provides a seasoning flavor to foods. In addition, salt also preserves. We Christians must have a flavorful influence over the earth. We must not only teach the Gospel orally, but we must teach it by living it out in our lives. If we do not have this flavorful and preserving influence, then just as salt that has lost its flavor is no good, so are we doing no one any good (especially ourselves).
Fourth, our influence as Christians must be pervasive. In the great section of parables regarding the kingdom in Matthew 13, there is a single verse parable (“leaven” v. 33) that deals with the growth of the spiritual kingdom of Christ. Leaven (similar to yeast) is the active ingredient in bread making. In order for the dough to rise, there must be yeast present to influence it. Leaven is often times used in the Scriptures in reference to evil influence (1 Corinthians 5), but in this context it deals with the positive influence the Gospel would have when preached in bringing about growth of the kingdom. Certainly when we look at the Book of Acts and the early preaching of the Gospel, we see the powerful influence that the pure, simple and unadulterated Word of God has when it is proclaimed as God demands. As Christians today, we need to maintain the leavening influence of the Gospel in our lives by our proclamation of it, but also as we conduct ourselves daily.
Yes, the influence we wield is very important. As Christians, members of the beautiful bride, the church of Christ, are we being salt, lights and leaven as the Lord would have us to be in this present world? Is our influence positive or negative? Remember, not only will others be affected by our conduct, but we ourselves will be affected even more so because how we conduct ourselves in this present world will determine where we will be in eternity.
