Christians should make an impact on this earth. Christians should be different, and the world should see it. Christians should act in such a way that people cannot help but notice that we are followers of Jesus Christ. In the words of Jesus, we are “The salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13), and “The light of the world” (Matt. 5:14, NASB 95). But, how…? How can you and I make such a positive impact on this world? Consider some keys to Impact.
To unlock the ability to make an impact, we must treat people with compassion. Why did Jesus travel great distances, endure temptations of the flesh, and teach the Word of God, leaving an eternal impact on the world? In part, it was because “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt. 9:36). Jesus thought about the lives of others, and this led Him to feel pity and concern for them. This concern and pity led Him to help, heal, and ultimately die for others. If we want to make an impact on the world, we need to look at the world, develop pity and concern for it, and then help it with the tools and examples that God has given us in His Word.
To unlock the ability to make an impact, we must handle the Word of God accurately. Paul would encourage young Timothy by saying, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Earlier in the book, he would say, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 TIm. 1:13). The word “sound” in these verse mean “healthy.” Sadly, many have abandoned the “healthy” and “true” teachings in the Word of God. This may be to become more “popular” or to accomplish a selfish ambition. Whatever the case, clinging to healthy doctrine will help impact the world in a positive way. Failure to do so will hurt us and those around us.
The world needs the salt and light of devoted followers of Christ. The world needs to be impacted by us so that it can be healed eternally by Christ. Everything we do can either positively or negatively impact the world. How are you treating people? How are you treating the Word of God?
-Bryce Mayfield