Who in your life has had a great impact on you? For me, one of these people is my friend Rebecca. Rebecca has always been so encouraging to me in my own life and the calling God has placed on my life. When I think about the impact she has had on my life, her humility and dedication to serving God and others particularly marked me. Take a few moments to think about the influential people who have impacted your life for the better. As I think about Rebecca and these other influential people in our lives, one thing that stands out to me is that all of these people lived their lives with purpose. They took seriously the impact they had on our lives and the lives of everyone around them, and they honored God by living lives that stood apart from the rest of the world. After all, those who live faithfully take seriously the impact they have on those around them.
Jesus taught about the importance of making an impact in Matthew 5. As He taught His followers one day, He told them, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless” (verse 13). I did a little research, and the truth is, salt cannot lose its chemical properties and therefore can never lose its flavor. As a result, it seems that Jesus was teaching that a genuine follower of Christ cannot lose their "flavor" or impact. This understanding makes sense because Jesus continued His teaching saying, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden” (verse 14). In other words, when salt and light exist, there is no containing their impact. Concluding His teaching about salt and light, Jesus said, "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" (verse 16). The purpose in the flavor and light that followers of Christ contain is to point others to Christ. We must realize, however, that we have to let our light shine. We have to go places for our “salt” to have an impact. We must be intentional to impact the people around us.
Salt and light’s effect cannot be masked. They must however be strategically placed and used so that their effects can be clearly seen (or tasted). The same is true with followers of Christ. We are the light of the world, and the salt of the earth. The question is, are we putting ourselves in situations where our light is visible and our salt can make a difference? We can make an impact. After all, light shines the brightest in dark places.
Who is one person God has put in your life whom you can impact? It may be a coworker, classmate, friend, hairstylist, barista, or family member. Take a few moments to think about who this person is. Think about ways you can reach out and influence that person on a weekly basis. Make a plan to reach out to that person this week.
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
