Influence

Christians are called to make a difference in society. They are called to be salt, and light (Matthew 5:13-14). Our  life of faith in Jesus Christ should penetrate and illuminate those around us. We should be a positive influence on society. Unfortunately, the influence can also go the other way. Unless we are careful, instead of influencing others for the good, we may be influenced for the bad (Psalm 26:4; 1 Corinthians 15:33). Peer pressure can be a strong persuader, especially if you are in a group. Before you know it you can be following the wrong crowd (Exodus 23:2).

The best way to maintain our witness and influence others for the Good is to keep the influence coming from the right direction (John 8:23). If our influence comes from the world, we will be influenced, but if the flow of influence is from above, we will influence others for the good as a result of our being influenced from above.When the direction of influence is from above, others recognize the source and God gets the credit (Matthew 5:16). Likewise, when you have been influenced by evil, the credit goes back to the source (John 8:44).

You cannot take your cues from the the devil and claim the name of Christ. It is a sham that everyone can see through (Jeremiah 7:9-11). On the other hand, when we are true to the Lord, He is glorified in us (2 Thess. 1:12). If you want to influence others for the good, you have to guard your heart and mind (Proverbs 4:23; Romans 8:6-7). The Bible tells us that only when we are delivered from sin and live by the Spirit can we have our minds set on what the spirit desires. We must no longer conform to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Then we can influence others because we ourselves have been transformed.

Radiant

What does a radiant life look like? When we shine for Jesus what kind of illumination is it that others see? Moses spent time in the presence of God and his face was radiant (Exodus 34:29). The outer luminescent quality was visibly evident to others. Is that how we are to appear to others if we shine for Jesus? The Bible speaks of a radiance that comes from looking on the face of God (Psalm 34:5), and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like stars (Dan. 12:3).

If the Bible meant that Christians are to shine with the visible radiance that Moses had, we would have to conclude that true Christians are rare indeed, for not many people in this world literally radiate spiritual light. On the other hand, the spiritual reality of Christ within is evident in the lives of many Christians. When someone turns to the Lord in faith, they begin to reflect the glory of the Lord. The glory of the lord is reflected in our lives as we are transformed into his likeness (2 Cor. 3:16-18). God shines in our hearts to give us the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). Christ within becomes evident to others as we shine in contrast to those who do not have Christ (Phil. 2:15). When they begin to see us shine, they will recognize it as evidence of God's goodness (Matt. 5:16). Therefore, do not cover your light, but let it shine (Matt. 5:15). That way, those who do not know Christ may wake up and Christ will shine on them too (Eph. 5:14).