THE WISE USE OF INFLUENCE

“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 lamp stand, 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 5:14-16 NKJV)

                                                             

Influence may be defined as the flowing in of our soul to enthuse and help, or to debase others. The law of action and recreation, of attraction and repulsion is always at work, in virtue of which it may be truly said that no one lives or dies to himself. The position of each atom of sand upon the seashore affects the position of all others, and the quality of our personal character is more pervasive than a good or bad smell. What we are affects others much more deeply than what we may know. Probably waves of spiritual influence are continually going forth from our innermost nature, and it is the impact of these upon those around us which makes it easier or harder for them to realize their highest ideals.

The first circle which we can touch and influence is that of our friends. Our counsel may be sweetness or bitterness, but whatever we do or say, we must see that we are absolutely true and faithful (Proverbs 27:6-9). Sincerity means to be without the wax which the cabinet maker may put into the cracks of the wood to make it appear sound. It is the true and pure soul that most readily and forcibly helps another. Do not be selfish in your friendship, but always give out as much and more than you expect to receive. Love is a tender plant, and needs culture. We mustn't suppose that it is able to thrive without light and truth.

The second circle of influence is that of our associates. The great world of men may not appreciate our reproduction of the Beatitudes of the Kingdom, but still reproach, persecute, and say all manner of evil falsely; nevertheless, we must continue to bless the world by the silent and gracious influence of holy living. Reviled, we must bless; persecuted, we must endure; defamed, we must entreat. We must be as salt to our persecutors and as light to our enemies. It is wonderful how love and consistent, patient, prayerful influence finally prevail.

We are to be as salt; i.e. our consistent holy living will act as antiseptic to arrest evil. We are to be the light of the world. Inconsistency and cowardice are like bushels which are put over the lamp.  Let's put all these hindrances away, that the light which is within us may shine out on the dark, dying, and barren world.

PRAYER

Grant, we beseech you, Heavenly Father, that our behavior may be an enhancement to the gospel of Christ. May the savior of Christ be in our influence, His light in our face, His love in our hearts.  For it is in His name I pray, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #214:
I rule the earth and all the kings belong to Me.

Psalm 47:7-9 (WEB)
7 For God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises with understanding. 8 God reigns over the nations. God sits on his holy throne. 9 The princes of the peoples are gathered together, the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God. He is greatly exalted!