In Matthew 5:14-16 MSG Jesus instructs us — “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

Are you familiar with the word “influencer”? The word is used in the social media realm. An influencer is someone who has many followers (10,000 or more), is an authority on a certain subject, and often has an endorsement from a particular product or brand. In other words it is like an individual that is an advertiser. The more I think about it, I realize every one of us in the Christian community is called to be a Christian influencer! We should be a Christianity advertisement. Each of us is called to live our lives in such a way that others will learn from our words and actions what it means to be a Christian. Each day God places in our path people we are influencing. We have a choice in what we impress upon them and in what ways we influence them. Christian living is a day-in and day-out calling. Christian living is learning every day, growing from what is learned, and then showing others by example. Christian living is being an Influencer!

So now I ask you to examine yourself. First of all, think about who you influence. Who is in your close circle that you influence daily? Who do you come into contact with randomly that you may influence? Next, think about your daily Christian living. Is there an area or areas that perhaps are not good examples of Christian living that you may need to ask God to help you change? Listen to how God speaks to you and be open to His suggestions. Lastly, who has influenced you and your Christian walk? Take time to thank those who have been Christian influencers for you.

Go about your day being intentional with what you say and do. Be an example of Christian living to those who come into contact with you. Advertise for Christ by being a Christian influencer!

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for all the Christian influencers in my life. Mold me and make me into the Christian influencer You would have me be. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Philippians 4:9 NIV — Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

In yesterday’s featured scripture, Philippians 4:8, Paul instructed us on what to think about. In today’s scripture he challenges us to follow his example. In other words he was leading by example. Isn’t that what you and I are called to do as Christians? Others should see Christ in our words and actions. We are called to put into practice all we have learned and heard about being a Christian. 

Examine your words and actions today. When others hear that you are a Christian they will be watching to learn what being a Christian means. How does a Christian act and react in times of struggle, temptation, or disappointment? How are others seeing Christ in you when you fail? Do you let them see when you are remorseful and repent? After all, only Christ is without failures and sin. Those watching need to learn the full picture of Christian living. How are you reflecting Christian living for others to see?

Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me when I do not reflect You in my words and actions. May I be aware of how I am showing others what it means to be a Christian. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Philippians 4:8 NIV — Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 

The book of Philippians was written by Paul to the Christian congregation he had helped to establish. He was instructing them on the meaning of being a Christian and on Christian living. The above scripture is an example of how Paul explains to live as a Christian. He instructs them, and us, on what to fill our minds with so as to stay on track in our Christian living.

Examine your thoughts today. How do you fill your mind with whatever is right, pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy?

Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me when I fail to fill my mind with the right things. Guide my thoughts today so I may focus on You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Philippians 4:8 NIV — Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:9 NIV — Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Spend some time in worship listening to 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman. Prayerfully consider what Christian looks like to you as we prepare for our week together.