Introduction

Influence - the act of producing affects on actions, and behavior of another through direct and intangible means like examples, behaviors, and conduct of another – I Corinthians 7:16.
The decisions you make, respect, and honor you show others, and the way you treat others in various relationships will have an affect on others. People you associate with or spend time with will have some type of influence on you. Be careful and make sure they have a good influence on you – Proverbs 13:20; Genesis 3:1-6. God warns not to be in agreement or covenant with evil persons – Deuteronomy 7:2-4; II Corinthians 6:14-16.
Be sure your demeanor is one that exemplifies Christ, so when someone is watching you, they’ll be encouraged and influenced in a positive way to make a good decision, and ultimately obey the gospel of Christ. To do this we must first follow Jesus example – John 13:14-15.

CHRISTIANS ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH and LIGHT OF THE WORLD (MATTHEW 5:13-14)

Salt has two primary qualities; (1) Salt preserves those things that it comes in contact with; (2) Salt also renders food more agreeable to taste. In Acts 3:1-8, Peter and John met the lame man at the Beautiful gate and was healed. In Acts 16:25-33, didn’t Paul and Silas leave a good influence on the Philippian Jailers’ family and prisoners, after they were beaten and thrown into prison? Christians make the world a better place. Because our example of love in Christ will impact the world for the better, that they might believe in Jesus and have eternal life – John 3:16.
Jesus teaches that His disciples are the light of the world, and a city that is set on a hill that cannot be hid – Matthew 5:14. We need to shine our lights brighter, so the world can see the way out of darkness to the light of Jesus and be saved. If your lights are dim or if you have covered up the light of Jesus, you need to let it shine – Romans 1:16-17. Because the world is no longer ashamed of flaunting and parading evil in your face.

Christian’s that have fallen into sin, that have lost their first love, and are no longer filled with love and good works are like salt shaken on food but doesn’t give an agreeable taste. It is then useless for the purpose at hand, and is discarded - Luke 14:34-35. Are you like this, if you are your influence on people for Christ will not be good – Matthew 5:13.
Christians shouldn’t live in their own secret society and hide the light. Jesus, taught, men don’t light a candle and hide it under a bushel, but they put it on a candlestick, so all can see – Matthew 5:15. We need to imitate the Apostles of Jesus, when the Sanhedrin council tried to silence them from teaching and preaching Jesus – Acts 5:28-29, 42. Let it shine – Matthew 5:16.
What influence will you leave with those who you’ve been in contact with on this earth? Will they see the light of Jesus in you and be encouraged to obey Jesus? Or will they see something else? If you want to be a positive influence in someone’s life, why not obey the truth today? John 8:31-32.

-- Harry D. Anderson, Jr., Preached at Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ, January 2009 --