by Chris Steele

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 you rather do? What kind of influence would you like to have on someone else?

Surely any Christian would want to be a good, positive 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.” What good is salt without saltiness? It cannot be effective and is worthless! Jesus said also that we are “the light of the world.” Everyone benefits from the light if it is not weak or hidden away.

Here’s an idea that might test our willingness to have a real effect on the lives of our family and friends during this holiday season. We all have to make adjustments for family and friends with our traditions and gatherings for the holidays. Many families also have children out of school for a couple of weeks with all of their added activities to schedule. Most congregations continue with their regularly scheduled worship services and Bible study periods during the holidays. Some Christians allow Christmas, New Year’s, and other family festivities to interfere with their attendance. It is the Christian’s responsibility to make sure that any conflicts are swayed in favor of our church family.

When the church meets together, we need to be there. This is true whether it is Sunday worship (morning and evening) or mid-week Bible studies every Wednesday evening. Where you are on Sundays and Wednesdays during the holiday season 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 family (Hebrews 10:24-25)?

Whether or not you take those few hours from your busy schedule to assemble with God’s people, you will have an influence on those you know and love. Will they see faith, or a lack of it? Will they turn toward God, or away from him, because of you?