by Chris Steele

December 3, 2006

Our influence on the lives of others is a very powerful thing. We have the potential of having a long-term effect on someone’s life in either a positive or negative way. The question is, which would we rather do?

Surely any Christian would want to be a good influence on the people around them. In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth. Salt has a tremendous effect as it flavors and preserves. Our Lord went on to contrast salt that has “lost its savor” (saltiness or effectiveness). What good is it? It is worthless! He said also that we are "the light of the world.” Everyone benefits from the light if it is not weak or hidden.

Here’s an idea that might test our willingness to have a real effect on the lives of our family and friends during the upcoming holiday season. This year Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on a Sunday. No doubt every family has certain traditions that they do on these holiday “eves.” Almost every congregation I know will have their Sunday evening worship services right on schedule, just as they do every other Sunday evening throughout the year.

Where you are on these two Sundays will say a great deal to your family and friends about your attitude toward Christ and His church. Can we profess to love God more than anything else (Matthew 10:37-38) if we neglect his will (Hebrews 10:24-25)?

Whether or not you attend one hour of worship on the eve of December 24 and 31, you will have an influence on those you know and love. It will effect them in either a positive or negative way. Your decision may influence them to want to study the Bible, or become a child of God, or be a stronger and more devoted Christian. Then again, your decision may influence them to be disinterested in Christ, refuse the truth of the gospel, and lose their soul. Which would we rather do?