You Have Influence

7. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Good Morning: Today, we’re going to talk about how do we take the analogy of salt and apply it to us in our every day lives.  What does it mean to be the “salt of the earth?”  

Yesterday, we talked about how salt was used to preserve, to prevent decay, or things from spoiling or going bad.   As Christians, Jesus says that we are the “salt “of the earth.    Now, in order to be faithful to the context, we must remember that Jesus had just finished teaching on the beatitudes, in these beatitudes, he describes the Christian character.   After Jesus closes with the beatitudes, He says:  “You are the salt of the earth.”   

Christians who live like Jesus described in the beatitudes have influence.   We have the ability to preserve, to prevent decay or destruction, to keep something or someone from “spoiling” or going bad.  We have influence.    Don’t let anyone discourage you or make you feel inferior, you have influence.  The world is waiting to hear what you have to say concerning the things of God whether it will be meant with gladness or hostility, you have influence.   

Jesus instructs us that we are to be “in the world” and not “of the world” and he instructs us not to “love the world.”     

What does that mean to be in the world and not of the world?   Let’s look at the example of salt.  Salt has to be mixed with or sprinkled over or rubbed on whatever it is going to affect.    Though the salt is mixed together with the substance that it is “preserving” or keeping from decay, it still maintains its characteristics.   

Do you see where I’m going?    In order to be effective, we have to mingle, be around, be involved  with the people and things of this world, but we are not reduced to the “world’s standards”  nor should we submit to any ungodly action, nor compromise what we believe are Godly requirements for our life.  We should influence whatever environment we’re in and be a catalyst for helping bring about change.    Calm down, relax, don’t run out and announce to the world that you have influence.  Don’t start flexing your muscles on your job, or around your home, or among your peers.  Everything must be done in decency and in order and in love.  Believe me, people who have influence, do not have to announce it.  People will know sometimes without you saying a word, they will know that something is different about you, because of what you are modeling before them.   

You have more power than you probably know.   Just think on this today, and tomorrow, we’ll develop this subject matter further.  No, I did not forget that this week’s subject is purpose, trust me, I’m going there.    God Bless. Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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