The Influence of Jesus

What is our Life Shaped By?

Our schedules, like doctor’s appointments or our kid’s or grand-kids schedule?How about our work schedules or other commitments? It may not be a schedule but a to-do list that shapes our days.

How about influences? What or even who influences your lifestyle or worldview? It is easy to say Jesus because that is the right answer. Even if Jesus is our number one influence, that still leaves room for others to be an influence.

Whether we admit it or not, we are being influenced by those around us. We are influenced by what we see on social media, Television and by movies. We are influenced by the actions of family. We are influenced by the words of family and friends and by what we hear on the radio.

We all should in turn, be directed by the pursuit of truth. We need to understand all those things that carry influence, from the voices to the actions of others, and react appropriately. To act appropriately is to let Christ be our “Influence Filter.”

Pray and read Galatians 5:16-23

Galatians 5:16–23 NRSV

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

In the time of the Early Church, the new Christian converts were coming to understand their faith in Christ in a totally new way. Previously, they were Pagan and much of their worship was filled with sensual pleasure and feasting until they were sick. So now this new faith was totally a shock to them. Think of it this way: If you are trying to lose weight, you understand that you need to change your eating habits and exercise or get moving more than you have in the past. But that is easier said than done, right? Thinking a little more severe, if you have an addiction that you are trying to break, you may even come to a point were you are repulsed by your own behavior and saddened that you still have those temptations. Yet both of these situations call for a major change of habits, even a change in the way of living. For many, these changes, as wonderful as they are, do not happen over night.

So the early church were battling their own fears of both rejection and temptation as they completely change the way they not only worship but in how they live every day. In this part of the letter, Paul is coaching these new believers on the distinct differences between a follower of Christ and a follower of the world. But again, this is easier said then done. We know that we should be influenced by the life of Christ and live by and for Christ. However the world is constantly pulling against God. The influences of this world are very strong. So how are we to not follow these worldly influences?

Verse 16 is the main point in this passage. Simply put: Live by the Holy Spirit. Do not live by the desires of the flesh or by this world. The Spirit and desires of this World are always at war with each other. Yes, we know the law and we know we should obey the law of God. But it is so easy to fall away, the temptations, the voices that are around us, are all telling us different things. That is why we need the Holy Spirit of God as our Counselor and Protector.

Born This Way vs. Born Again

Lady Gaga had a song out many years ago called “Born This Way.” The point of this song was to celebrate who you are whoever you are, however you identify. Many protested this song saying that it was wrong and glorified sin. But if we are honest, we ARE born this way. Yes, WE are born this way. We are all born into sin, because of this fallen world. There is pollution, evil influences, abuse, addictions, and various sufferings all over this world. We all have our vices and our shortcomings. Some will never know the freedom found in Christ, so they feel the need to self-preserve and find comfort in their choices and circumstances.

Here is the bridge though; telling others that their thoughts and feelings are just wrong really doesn’t really help anyone, and it doesn’t work to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Such words are just added to the sea of negative voices that cause hurt or are just ignored. Instead, this world needs people who are positive influences for Christ by showing the love and actions of someone who is born again. People need to see what good God has done in your life. We need to know our testimony and share our story of God’s redemption in our own life before telling others what is wrong with their life.

Let’s talk about how to be born again. We need more talk about God’s transformational grace. We need to tell others about the redemptive power that God brings to all who seek Him. This is our positive influence. There is freedom in Christ Jesus. There is nothing that Jesus won’t forgive. There is nothing that you have done or situation where you have found yourself where those chains can’t be broken. Sometimes those lifestyles and addictions are gone overnight. Sometimes, it takes time of prayer, as well as fellowship and accountability with others who are on a similar path towards Christ’s gift of Sanctification.

Sanctification

Sanctification is the gift of the Holy Spirit that is given to each of us. When we have the Holy Spirit, we are able to experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control on a deeper level. Do we have these gifts in full completion all the time? No, we are still human and there are still those earthly influences around us seeking to pull us in another direction or cause us harm. However, the Fruit of the Spirit is always there and available to us. More importantly, we show these fruits in our lives when we have the Holy Spirit as our guide, or to say when we live in the Holy Spirit.

So again, we need to be careful of what influences us. Do you know that there are people who are “Christian Influencers?” They are typically millennial's who have very popular social media accounts and who talk about their Christian lifestyle. They will post Bible Verses and offer devotionals. They will promote other Christian artists and encourage others to share the message of Jesus. Are these people always right? Are all of them just perfect in their theological understanding and say or do the right thing? No! Yet, we can see their fruit and tell if they are truthful in what they claim. They are not perfect, yet I appreciate them sharing their Christian journey and being a positive influence.

You are a Christian Influencer

The thing is, we don’t have to be famous to be a Christian Influencer. We may never earn the accredited title on TicTok or Instagram, but we still have influence with those whom we come in contact with on a daily basis. If you have rejected the life this world wants you to live and instead made the choice to live for Christ, you have a story to tell. You also have a call from God to share your testimony and be a positive witness. The final verse in our passage tells us that each of us have a testimony. Each of us are forgiven and given the gift of the Holy Spirit. Not one person is more loved or chosen by God then the next person. We are all given the same gifts of grace. You have to position to influence others to live their life in Christ, as you live your life guided by His Holy Spirit.

So, how can you be a positive influence? Where or how can you share your testimony? I really want to challenge you guys to do something that may be difficult or out of your comfort zone. I want you to find a way to record your testimony, or record what Christ means to you. Most smartphones can record a video. Or, be traditional and grab a piece of paper and pen and write it out. However, I want you to then share it somehow. If you have written it, share a copy with a friend or family. If you really want the challenge, post it to social media or have a friend or family member help you to publish it in some way. But if you except my challenge, beware that you may not have others doing this with you. You may have feelings like, “No one wants to hear this,” or “I feel so only and even crazy doing this.” That is the voice of the one who rules the world; do not listen. Instead, you will find that you feel so blessed once you have shared your story. Also, imagine the blessing that will follow from others who have heard your story?

In the name of God the Father, Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.