Light is a wonderful thing. It always dispels the darkness. To whatever degree it exists, darkness can never overcome it.

Scripture says, "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain" (Phil. 2:14-16).

The connection between a Christian's influence and light is obvious. We must shine. Our lives must stand out in a "crooked and perverse" world as sharply as light does in a dark room. We can never be over attentive to the way we live. We cannot ignore the way we live saying it does not matter and still be pleasing to God. We must live "blamelessly" and "above reproach."

A life of good influence involves avoiding a "grumbling" and "disputing" disposition. Listen to yourself. Check out what you talk about and how you talk about it. Do you complain constantly about wrong and never emphasize what is right? Listen to yourself! What effect will what you say have on those who hear you? What about the effect on brethren? What about unbelievers who hear you? What kind of influence are you?

In Romans 14:13 we are warned about being a "stumbling block" for others. This places a heavy responsibility upon us. We must realize that not only are we responsible for our own lives, but also for the effect we have on others. We cannot say, "What I do is my own business." Or, "I am going to do it no matter what others think." To do so is to become a stumbling block for others and God will hold us responsible. Jesus said, "woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matt. 18:7). Such is the importance of our influence!

Sometimes this requires us to "expose" darkness with light (Eph. 5:11, 13), knowing those in darkness will not like that. We must "warn those who are unruly," as we "comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all" (1 Thess. 5:14). We must realize there will always be those who will speak evil of our good. Sometimes twisted interpretations are put on our words and lives. But, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Rom. 12:18).

Let us resolve to make our influence the best!

- Focusing On Truth, July, 2013