January 5: “You Are An Influencer”

Today’s Bible Reading:

If you click on the following references to read the Bible, it will open up the New Living Translation version of the Bible. This is the translation that I am going to use this year for my daily Bible reading and reflections.

Genesis 11:1-13:4
Matthew 5:1-26
Psalm 5:1-12
Proverbs 1:24-28

Today’s Bible Verse(s):

Matthew 5:13-14 (NLT): “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”

Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):

There is no shortage of Christians who believe that their relationship with Jesus is a private thing. It provides them with a moral compass, a purpose, and healing in a hurtful world. But they don’t see their Christianity as something that goes behind themselves.

Yet, that is exactly what we hear Jesus saying in the verses that I have chosen for today. He didn’t tell us to be salt and to be light. He said that we already are salt and light.

Since Jesus has said that we are salt and light, what do they do?

Simply put, salt holds back decay and light pushes back the darkness. Stated another way, salt and light influence their environments so that decay and darkness do not occur.

Friend, that’s what Jesus said that we are. We aren’t called to be private Christians. Instead, we are told that we should influence those around us so that moral decay and moral darkness run and hide. Our speech and behavior should so radically impact our sphere of influence that sin either runs for cover or steps up to fight for its territory.

And one more thing – there are plenty of Christian jerks. Plenty of people who claim to follow Jesus are more than glad to point out error in those around them. So, while we hold back moral decay and push back moral darkness, how do we do that?

Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT): “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive (lit. “seasoned with salt”) so that you will have the right response for everyone.”

Ephesians 4:15 (NLT): “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

So be salt. Be light. But don’t be angry or judgment. Instead, be kind and compassionate as you influence the atmosphere around you to become much more pleasing to the Lord.