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Whittaker
Wisdom
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Pastor David Whittaker, Washington
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Today, we are going
to talk a bit about the word Influence.
I have learned, that
our very presence is an influence, and the words that we speak, very definitely
are influential.
What is influence?
It is a Power,
indirectly or intangibly affecting a person, or a course of events. A Power based on Prestige, Wealth, Ability or
Position.
I remember as a very
young boy trying to live for God, and not being able to differentiate who good
and bad friends were. Not having friends, anyone who paid attention to me in
any way were friends. If someone wished
for me to do something they were doing, and I hesitated, they would just say,
"God understands. He's got a real good sense of humor. After all, He made you, so it will be ok if
you do this once. He'll forgive you." So I went ahead.
We have to be so
careful these days, because, if we want to bring people close to the Lord,
especially those around us who are new to the faith, we must be sure that we
give no room for doubt or confusion.
Let your LIGHT so
shine before men, that the may see your MORAL excellence, and your
praiseworthy, noble and good deeds, and recognize and honor and praise and
glorify your Father who is in Heaven.
You are the salt of
the earth. But if the salt has lost its taste, its strength, its quality, how
can saltiness be restored? It is not
good for anything, but to be trodden underfoot by man.
The church is like
salt, because it saves by contact. Good influence is preserving. Mark 9:50 admonishes us to have salt within
ourselves, and to be at peace and harmony, one with another. If we do this, our
influence can be Saving, Inspiring and Evangelizing. People who don't know the Lord, of course
will be bad influences, but I also know, that we as God's people, if caught off
guard, even for one moment, can mislead and direct.
Please folks, Let us
be aware of all those around us, who are struggling, who need some attention,
love and friendship, and let us influence them God's way, and not what we think
they should be or do. Our saltiness, our
flavor will be what stands, and is accepted by Christ, When We Get Home.
God Bless and keep
you.
I Love you.
Pastor Dave
