According to dictionary.com the word influence means: “the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others.”
Jesus modeled
influence effectively. Although some of
the “so-called” religious people felt his influence was being jeopardized when
he spent time with the “less than” people.
In Luke 5:27-32 there is a conversation with “religious” people and
Jesus’ disciples about who Jesus was associating himself with. They asked, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” Jesus quick on his feet shot back, “healthy people don’t need a doctor, sick
people do.” (New Living Translation)
Christians have an opportunity to
demonstrate values that will influence our culture for the greater good. In reading many surveys, without exemption,
the overwhelming view of non-churched people felt that Christians are judgmental,
hypocritical, old fashioned, and way too involved in church politics. I’m sure some can and will argue the
perceptions non-churched people have of those of us who call themselves
Christians. Is it fair, maybe not, but
could there be some truth to how they perceive us? Absolutely!
It is amazing to me that Christians
can work together at their jobs. Attend
little league to watch their children play baseball. Cheer in the stands together for the local
high school football team. Eat together
in restaurants. And, have cookouts with
their neighbors in their backyards. But
come Sunday morning, it becomes the most segregated time of the week. There are some streets that have at least two
of the same type of church because one thinks they are more right than the
other. Or, we have churches splitting
over silliness and start another church across town. What does this behavior convey to the
non-churched person? How are we as
Christians able to influence our culture for the greater good if we cannot get
along ourselves?
Our culture
needs Jesus followers who are committed to living a consistent spiritual
life. Our culture needs Christians who
are bent on demonstrating behaviors that are godly, holy, and right. Our culture needs to see consistency. They must see love demonstrated toward each
other regardless of their philosophies about salvation. Our culture needs to see unity between each
Christian and not an “I’m the only one right” Christian mentality.
If Christians
live out the following principles of spiritual living in our culture, then our
culture will begin to shift into a honorable, loving, caring, selfless,
spiritual, and morally sound place.
Be positive –
Philippians 2:14 says to do everything without arguing or complaining.
Be a builder –
Ephesians 4:29 says to build up others according to their needs.
Be kind –
Galatians 5:22 says that kindness is a bi-product of a Spirit controlled life.
Be friendly – 1
Peter 4:9 says to offer up hospitality.
Be lovers – 1
Peter 1:22 says to love deeply from the heart.
In order to compel others to Jesus,
we must be modeling it ourselves. No
theology or doctrine can stand if our influence isn’t there to back it up
Remember, Be God Controlled!
Brian
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