Maintaining your Influence

Matthew 5:14-16 New King James Version

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

INTRO: If Christians become assimilated to non-Christians and contaminated by the impurities of the world, they lose their influence. The influence of Christians in and on society depends on their being distinct, not identical.

I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.

Application: Christians are to recognize their unique position as influencers in society and challenge them to actively express their faith in tangible ways. In doing so, believers can combat feelings of ineffectiveness and inspire others through acts of kindness and truthfulness, thereby shining the light of Christ. Christians are to reflect on their own influence and remind them that they are called to be agents of change in their communities. By embracing their identity as salt and light, believers can overcome struggles with complacency and fear, and actively engage in making a positive impact.

Big Idea: As followers of Christ, we are tasked to actively mirror His light and flavor the world around us, making God's presence known in every area of our lives.

1. Seasoned for Influence

Matthew 5:13

salt was A substance used for various purposes, most notably for preserving and flavoring food. It was also used medically and for religious purposes. In biblical times, salt was a vital food preservative because it prevented spoilage of meat, fish, and other perishable foods without refrigeration. Its high sodium content draws out moisture, creating an environment inhospitable to bacteria and mold, extending the life of the food . Christians are called to enhance and preserve the moral climate with Christ-like qualities, just as salt was used in ancient times for flavoring and preserving. This imagery reminds us of our responsibility to improve the environments we touch and remain committed to the transformative power of Christ in us, ensuring we do not lose our distinctiveness as His followers. I believe this whole heartly that church is the moral compass of the world. We cannot put a stop to all of this moral decay we see in the world but as the salt we we are to maintain our influence so that we can slow down and change and curve some of the wickness we see. not be By using this salt metaphor, Jesus meant that his disciples are called to be “preservatives” in the world, slowing down the advancement of moral and spiritual decay.2 Simultaneously, salt was used as a flavor enhancer, and Jesus may have been instructing his disciples to “enhance” the flavor of life in this world—enriching its goodness and making God’s work stand out from the normal way of doing things. Christians function as salt in their communities by operating across three interconnected dimensions: purification, preservation, and flavor.

As a purifying influence, Christians are responsible for cleansing their society through their presence, influence, and prayers—actively resisting forces of evil rather than passively accommodating them.

2 Practically, this means standing against corruption in workplaces, schools, and civic institutions through integrity and principled action.

The preservative function involves restraining societal corruption across social, political, moral, and educational spheres—preventing destructive forces from operating unchecked.

1 When the church remains true to itself, it hinders society’s decay, much as salt prevents meat from rotting.

2 This happens when Christians advocate for justice, support vulnerable populations, and maintain ethical standards in their professions and relationships.

The flavoring dimension means making one’s community palatable and acceptable to God through one’s presence, rendering society acceptable to Him.1 This involves being empathetic servants in daily interactions3, and practicing gracious speech and pursuing peace, both within and beyond the faith community.

3 Critically, Christians lose their influence when they become indistinguishable from non-Christians through worldly contamination; their effectiveness depends on remaining distinct.

2 A believer who becomes “foolish” (losing saltiness) has no effect on their sphere of influence.3 The text does not teach withdrawal from society but engaged, countercultural presence—maintaining Christian character while actively addressing community needs.

2. Shine Without Shame

Matthew 5:14-15

 Darkness was often perceived of as being negative and was often related to concepts of chaos, evil, mischief, and general negativity. This climate we live in and exist in is full of darkness. Our politics it at its core is filled with darkness. Even those it claims to be a christian nation. Yet capitalism will not allow corporations to pay people a living wage. That is darkness, When they in 2026 gut the 1964 civil rights bill but redristing that is darkness. When a man can chase a young black man a 100 feet away from his store shoot and kill him in the back and all of his charges are dismissed it is darkness. when you build prisons based of 3 grade reading test scores and have created the prison to pipeline system that is darkness. When the president of these united states want those who were born in the us by immigrant parent to have the us birthright took from them that is darkness. When they have spot light on black on black crimes and push a narrative that black cities like Chicago and los Angeles are crime infested yet look past white collar crimes that happen everyday. Darkenss is all around us. But jesus in Matthew 5 Instruct us on our position in this dark world

Perhaps this passage encourages believers to openly express their faith without fear. Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, Christians are urged to stand out in a world often darkened by despair and sin. By living out our faith visibly and authentically, followers of Christ provide guidance and hope to those around them, pointing them to God's truth and love. We Christians shine through both character and conviction. Having transitioned from darkness to light in the Lord, believers walk as children of light, producing fruit that encompasses goodness, righteousness, and truth (Eph 5:8–14). This visible conduct—demonstrated through good works—directs attention not to the believer but to God (Matt 5:13–16). A lifestyle grounded in biblical values enhances life itself, building strong families and providing a compelling example of what occurs when people align their lives with biblical truth. In other words we are not to be private Christians. Or what i call secret service saints That we shine without shame but with boldness and confidence

3. Glorify Through Goodness

Matthew 5:16

this verse challenges us as believers to let our good and act of kindness deeds reflect God's glory. Our good works—and not just words—serve to brighten the lives of others and direct them to the goodness of God. In essence, it is a practical call to live in such a way that others can see God's love actively demonstrated in you. Let me Help us out here church. Your good deeds is not bring your name Glory or it is not to make your name great or to to make you have a great reputation.

You must shine so that people may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven (5:16). Non-Christians are capable of doing good things, so what does Jesus mean by “good works”? Good works are connected to the kingdom work of God (see Eph 2:10). A good work is a righteous and biblically authorized action that is beneficial to others and for which God gets the credit. So, unless God is a part of it, it’s not a good work. It’s merely a good thing. Our good works are accomplished so that we may glorify—that is, highlight, put on display, and make a big deal of—God. And we should do a good work that men will see us perfom it but in return will give God Glory.