Our Influence Matters

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.”

Christians have an opportunity to demonstrate values that will influence our communities 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 ourselves 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 in communities 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, so they start another church across town. What does this kind of behavior convey to the non-churched person? How are we as Christians able to influence our communities for the greater good if we cannot get along ourselves?

Our communities need Jesus followers who are committed to living a consistent spiritual life. Our communities need Christians who are bent on demonstrating behaviors that are godly, holy, and right. Our communities need to see consistency among Christians. They must see love demonstrated toward each other regardless of their philosophies about salvation. Our communities need to see unity between each Christian and not an “I’m the only one right” Christian mentality.

The best way to influence others is by living like Jesus. When we influence Jesus’ way we will…

Be positive – Philippians 2:14, Do everything without arguing or complaining.
Be a builder – Ephesians 4:29, Build up others according to their needs.
Be kind – Galatians 5:22, Kindness is a bi-product of a Spirit controlled life.
Be friendly – 1 Peter 4:9, Offer up hospitality.
Be lovers – 1 Peter 1:22, Love deeply from the heart.

No theology or doctrine matters if our positive influence isn’t there to back it up!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian