Think of Your Influence

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 

Matthew 5:16

 

Have you ever experienced a moment when you knew someone was looking at you without a reason? You really wanted to turn and stare at them but acted as though you didn’t know they were watching you. This can be kind of scary, huh? You are influencing them to some degree.

We don’t realize how many people we influence. I read an article the other day that said each of us will influence at least 10,000 people over a lifetime. People are always watching us even if we don’t realize it. That’s why we have to overcome our bad habits.

So, how is your influence? Are others hearing things or seeing things in your life that are not Christ like? It is easy to slip into bad habits if we think no one is looking. But, they are!

Matthew reminds us today that we must show good deeds and let our light (Jesus Christ in our lives) shine before men. Think of the influence we have on our spouses, our children, our neighbors, our friends, and our co-workers. We must never underestimate the effect we have upon those close to us. Also, our lights must shine so that unbelievers will want to know what we have in our lives that is different from the world.

Titus 2:12 teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions that lead to those “bad habits.” We must strive to overcome the bad habits in our lives and live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. This is challenging in our present world, but it can be done when God is controlling our lives.

Be aware that people are watching you. Make sure that you use your influence to show others Jesus. Let others see Jesus in you.

Georgia Andrus