EVERY BELIEVER IS AN INFLUENCER
1 Peter 2:9 - You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.
Matthew 5: 13-16 - You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Salt is the indirect influence we have on people and works primarily through the way we live.
Light is the more direct way of sharing our faith and it works through what we say.
How do we influence others?
1) Principle of VISIBLE BRANDING
To have a Godly influence on people we must make our relationship with Jesus, His brand, so visible that every moment of our lives, even our daily conversations are bright and salted with the love, mercy and grace of God. "Out of 100 people, one will read the Bible and the other 99 will read the Christian.” D.L Moody
2) Principle of CLOSE PROXIMITY
Jesus doesn’t just call us salt and light but calls us salt of the earth and light of the world. He wants us to mingle with, and be involved in the lives of people we rub shoulders with, even strangers we pass by. No where in the Bible are we told that those in darkness are going to come in here. Repeatedly, however, we are told that we must go out to them.
3) Principle of CLEAR COMMUNICATION
1 Peter 3: 15 - Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Outline to follow in sharing your testimony
- What was your life like before you became a Christian?
- How did you come to know Christ?
- What has your life been like since you received Christ?