The Power of Influence
For Meditation
Jesus described Christ’s followers as salt and light, using those two metaphors to describe those who would follow Him. This statement from Jesus followed the beatitudes, which represented godly character. Jesus’ teaching then transitions from the character of His followers to the impact His followers should have on the world. He uses salt and light to illustrate how His disciples are to influence the world around them.
Salt was used in the ancient world for several things, including flavor and preservation. It also makes you thirsty. As believers, we must add Christ’s flavor to whatever environment He places us in. We are to preserve a Christlike culture in a morally decaying world so we can cause others to thirst after the God we have inside of us.
In Colossians 4:6, we read, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” As we share the good news of how Jesus has changed our life, we must remember grace. We were saved because we needed a Savior. We receive grace every day. We should add grace and love to all of our conversations. As we do, this salt produces thirst. Our prayer is this thirst will draw others to God where they can, “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalms 34:8).
Light. We are a lantern. A lantern itself is not the light, but it is a vessel that contains the fire and is used to decrease darkness. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
As we share the good news of Jesus with those around us, we aren’t sharing ourselves but Jesus, who is the light. He is the one who reveals sin, draws the lost, and illuminates the hearts of mankind. Our job is to shine so people see something different in us…our hope, peace, and joy as we navigate life’s challenges. As we live authentically for Him, it is a beacon in a dark world, drawing people closer to discover more about this Light.
As children of God, we are ambassadors for Christ. He has called us to represent Him wherever we go — at work, at school, and even at home. We aren’t called to save the world, but we are called to make a difference and be an influence.
As you prepare for worship this week, consider how you influence those around you. How are you salt and light? Pray God will teach us how to live in a way that brings Him glory and draws those around us closer to Him.
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.