South End Church of Christ :: Article: Importance of Influence

South End
Church of Christ
4001 Taylor Blvd
Louisville, KY 40215

Importance Of Influence
Aaron Erhardt

As Jesus began His powerful Sermon on the Mount, He made a series of statements known as the beatitudes. The beatitudes focus on the character of the kingdom citizen. He then turned His attention to the influence of the kingdom citizen. He said, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, 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 a 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” (Matthew 5:13-16).

The metaphors “salt” and “light” were common things in Palestine and they are familiar to us also. Salt is a preservative; it keeps things from rotting or decaying. Salt also gives flavor, stimulates thirst, and, in certain situations, causes irritation. In a spiritual sense, Christians are to do all of those things. Light enables us to see. It provides visibility and dispels darkness. This is the responsibility of all Christians. Paul wrote, “That ye be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). It is vitally important that we shine as lights in the world so it can see the true light of the world, Jesus Christ (John 8:12).

Are we a positive influence to those around us? Are we letting our lights shine in the darkness? How about in our dress? How about in our talk? How about in our daily activities? How about in our service to God? Can others see Christ living in us? If not, why not? Think on these things.