Our Influence for Jesus

Richard Thetford

Have you ever stopped to think about how you influence others? Well, it is a fact that no matter what we do, we definitely have an influence on others. For the Christian it is vitally important that our influence reflects Jesus living in us. There are two areas in our life that show others very quickly whether or not we are having a positive influence for Jesus and that is the way we dress and the things we say. Christians will make sure that we always dress appropriately and speak in a way in which God will be pleased with. The apostle Paul wrote to the Colossian brethren, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). Jesus said, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). The only way that we can have a godly influence on others is to make sure that we are trying to please our Father. I am so encouraged when I see Christians behaving like Christians and not like others in the world. Anyone can be worldly but a Christian has learned and understands that we have been bought with a price and that we are here to live for God and do His will. Our eternal destiny depends on what kind of influence that we are trying to have on others every day. Let’s make sure that our influence is centered on Jesus and not those of the world (Colossians 3:1-2).