Matthew 5:14-16 KJV
(14) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
(15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
(16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Today’s Devotional Is INFLUENCE – WISE USE
“Ye are the light in the world …. Let you light shine before men so that they can see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. — Mat_5:14-16.
INFLUENCE may be defined as the flow of our souls to inspire, help, or degrade others. It is the law of action, recreation, attraction, and repellence that are always at work. According to this, it can be said that no one lives or dies alone. Each atom of sand on the seashore has an effect on the position of others. A good or bad odour is more pervasive that a person’s character. More than what we say, our actions and thoughts affect others more deeply than the words we speak. Perhaps spiritual influences are constantly flowing from our innermost nature. It is their impact on others that makes it easier for them to achieve their highest potential.
Our friends are the first circle we can influence and touch. Our counsel can be bittersweet or sweet, but we must ensure that our friends are faithful and true to us (Pro_27.6-9). Sincerity is to live without any wax that the cabinet-maker might put in the cracks of wood to make it sound. The truest and most pure spirit is the one who helps others. Be generous in your friendship. But don’t be selfish. Give more than you think you will receive. Love is a tender flower that needs culture. It is not possible for love to flourish without truth and light.
Our associates are the second circle of influence. Although the great world may not be able to appreciate the reproduction of the Beatitudes, they will still persecute and reproach us for saying all manner of evil and false things. However, we must continue to bless the world through the quiet and gracious influence of holy living. We must bless the persecuted; we must endure being reviled; we must continue to pray for the defamed. As salt to our enemies and as light as our defamers, we must be. It’s amazing how love and a consistent, patient, and prayerful influence can finally triumph.
We are to be salt, i.e. Our consistent holy living will be an antiseptic to stop evil. We are called to be the light in the world. Cowardice and inconsistency are like bushels that are placed over the lamp. Let’s get rid of all the obstacles so that the light that is within us can shine on the darkness.
PRAYER for Today
We beg Thee, O God to grant that our behavior may become the Gospel of Christ. May Christ’s savour be in us, His light in us, His love in hearts. AMEN.