THE WISE USE
OF INFLUENCE
"Ye are the light of the world.... Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your
Father which is in heaven."-- Mat_5:14-16.
INFLUENCE MAY be defined as the
flowing in of our soul to enthuse and help, or to debase others. The law of
action and recreation, of attraction and repulsion is always at work, in virtue
of which it may be truly said that no one liveth or dieth to himself. The
position of each atom of sand upon the seashore affects the position of all
others, and the quality of our personal character is more pervasive than a good
or ill odour. What we are affects others much more deeply than what we say.
Probably waves of spiritual influence are continually going forth from our
inmost nature, and it is the impact of these upon those around us which makes
it easier or harder for them to realize their highest ideals.
The first circle which we can
touch and influence is that of our friends. Our counsel may be sweetness or
bitterness, but whatever we do or say, we must see that we are absolutely true
and faithful (Pro_27:6-9). Sincerity
means to be without the wax which the cabinet-maker may put into the cracks of
the wood to make it appear sound. It is the true and pure soul that most
readily and forcibly helps another. Do not be selfish in your friendship, but
always give out as much and more than you expect to receive. Love is a tender
plant, and needs culture. We must not suppose that it is able to thrive without
light and truth.
The second circle of influence
is that of our associates. The great world of men may not appreciate our
reproduction of the Beatitudes of the Kingdom, but still reproach, persecute,
and say all manner of evil falsely; nevertheless, we must continue to bless the
world by the silent and gracious influence of holy living. Reviled, we must
bless; persecuted, we must endure; defamed, we must entreat. We must be as salt
to our persecutors and as light to our defamers. It is wonderful how love, and
consistent, patient, prayerful influence finally prevail.
We are to be as salt; i.e. our
consistent holy living will act as antiseptic to arrest evil. We are to be the
light of the world. Inconsistency and cowardice are like bushels which are put
over the lamp. Let us put all these hindrances away, that the light which is
within us may shine out on the dark world.
PRAYER
Grant, we beseech Thee, O God,
that our behaviour may be as becometh the Gospel of Christ. May the savour of
Christ be in our influence, His light in our face, His love in our hearts.
AMEN.
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