“You are the salt of the earth.” Matthew 5:13 NIV
“Your life can be the salt and light that holds the power of eternal influence.”
My thoughts today are about the “influence of example.”
Everyone has influence; what their influence is and how it is used is the issue. The problem is when yours or others’ influence is for worse rather than better. You have influence; use it for others’ good and for a Godly purpose. Think about the people who have positively and significantly helped shape who you have become. Have you thanked them, and thanked God for them? Now consider this: who have you influenced for good and how did you do so? Be an example, not an exception. Examples inspire us; exceptions confuse us.
You cannot make another do or be something contrary to their willingness, but you can be a practical and living example of what they could be doing and becoming. “Follow God’s example in everything you do . . live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave Himself as a sacrifice . . and God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to Him.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT. Influence costs you something; some measure of sacrifice is the price you pay for the blessing you desire to be to others.
Jesus used the example of salt and light to describe the noticeable impact a positive life can be for others. “You are the salt of the earth . . you are the light of the world . . let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 NIV. Think that couldn’t be you? That you can’t make that great a difference? Think again. You can, if you will.
The smallest amount of salt or light can have a dramatic effect if applied where most needed – where someone’s life is flavorless or empty or in places where darkness prevails. Every day, your life touches someone like that, living in places like that. You can be salt and light that makes a radical difference by the influence of your example.
There can be a faith that grounds your life – the truth that guards your life – and a light that shines so your life can be the salt and light that holds the power of eternal influence. “Be innocent and pure as God’s perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, as you offer them the message of life.” Philippians 2:14-16 Today’s English Version.
Light expels darkness, revealing what was previously unknown while exposing what was deliberately hidden from view. See Ephesians 5:8-13 NIV. The Bible says, “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18 NIV. Both naturally and spiritually, salt creates thirst and encourages appetite. Is there a quality of your life that points people to the only One who satisfies? You can be a powerful influence in your world – “the circle of your God-given relationships and influence.” In your world, you can be the difference! A good example is better than a great explanation any day!
My prayer for you today is that you shine brightly with the light of Christ’s life.