Influence

A physics teacher tested three instruments of music to see which sound carried the farthest. He used the trumpet, the violin, and the harp. If you know your instruments, you know that the trumpet has a loud blast; the violin has the capacity of high pitch; the harp has a purer sound.

He had three musicians go out to sea on a boat to try out the three. After the first mile the trumpet could not be heard. After a mile and a half the violin and the harp could still be heard, however at two miles out only the harp could be heard. It was the instrument of the “purer” sound.

Jesus taught that the purity of a Christian’s life has the most influence. He drew His illustrations from things of everyday life such as we find recorded in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

A church member noticed one Sunday evening how dim it was in the auditorium. After discussing it with other members, they concluded the chandeliers needed to be cleaned. After cleaning them what a difference it made in the brightness of the auditorium.

Most of us keep oil lamps to use when the electricity goes off. But, each time we take them out of storage to use we have to clean the glass chimney before it can give effective light.

It is sin that needs to constantly be dealt with in order to keep our lives clean so that we might shine as lights in our world of darkness. Sin in the life of a Christian that has not been dealt with by confession and repentance causes three things: One, it hinders fellowship with God. Two, it takes away our desire for the things of God. Three, it dims the light that should shine from us.

In John 8:12 Jesus said about Himself, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” If Jesus said He is the Light and we also are the light of the world, is there a contradiction?  No, just as the moon’s light is a reflection of the sun’s light so we reflect the Light which is Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul said, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8-10)

Reflection: Self examination should be done daily.