REGARDING CHRISTIAN LIGHT AND INFLUENCE
Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor,
wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under
foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a
lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even
so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is
in heaven.”
I once read an interesting story. Many years ago before the Communist revolution, a lady was
traveling by mule and carriage through rural China. As night came she stopped in a village which did
not have an inn. She sent her driver to try to find a Christian home in which she could find lodging for
the night. She knew that the homes of Christians were generally cleaner and they were more prone to
help out in such a situation.
A village elder returned with the lady’s driver and said, “I understand you are looking for a Chris-
tian in this village. We have none. I am very sorry.” The lady responded, “Where does the nearest
Christian live?” The old villager replied, “The nearest Christian lives five day’s journey from here.”
When she finally reached her destination and was able to speak to her father, the lady told him her
story. Her father was one who was familiar with Chinese culture. She lamented the fact that not one
single Christian could be found in less than a five day’s journey from where she had been. Her father
listened and then made this observation: “Yes, but they knew where he was.” Now, isn’t that some-
thing? The nearest Christian was five day’s journey away, yet that Christian’s light was shining even
from such a great distance. Doesn’t that speak to us of an influence for good?
You may think that you have no influence at all. Not true. Everyone influences someone in some
way or another. And we should never underestimate the influence we may have--for good or for evil.
We should always try to be on our guard, because someone is watching.
That someone may be a child who can be influenced by your example to become a good person in
some way or another. That someone who is watching may be a friend or loved one. It may even be a
stranger or one we don’t know very well. One thing is sure: God is watching and knows what kind of
influence we are wielding. Are you letting your light shine for Jesus and for God?
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Lies, like chickens, always come home to roost!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under
foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a
lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even
so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is
in heaven.”
I once read an interesting story. Many years ago before the Communist revolution, a lady was
traveling by mule and carriage through rural China. As night came she stopped in a village which did
not have an inn. She sent her driver to try to find a Christian home in which she could find lodging for
the night. She knew that the homes of Christians were generally cleaner and they were more prone to
help out in such a situation.
A village elder returned with the lady’s driver and said, “I understand you are looking for a Chris-
tian in this village. We have none. I am very sorry.” The lady responded, “Where does the nearest
Christian live?” The old villager replied, “The nearest Christian lives five day’s journey from here.”
When she finally reached her destination and was able to speak to her father, the lady told him her
story. Her father was one who was familiar with Chinese culture. She lamented the fact that not one
single Christian could be found in less than a five day’s journey from where she had been. Her father
listened and then made this observation: “Yes, but they knew where he was.” Now, isn’t that some-
thing? The nearest Christian was five day’s journey away, yet that Christian’s light was shining even
from such a great distance. Doesn’t that speak to us of an influence for good?
You may think that you have no influence at all. Not true. Everyone influences someone in some
way or another. And we should never underestimate the influence we may have--for good or for evil.
We should always try to be on our guard, because someone is watching.
That someone may be a child who can be influenced by your example to become a good person in
some way or another. That someone who is watching may be a friend or loved one. It may even be a
stranger or one we don’t know very well. One thing is sure: God is watching and knows what kind of
influence we are wielding. Are you letting your light shine for Jesus and for God?
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Lies, like chickens, always come home to roost!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
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