The sermon this week was on how your work, no matter where you work, is your mission field. We don’t need to be overtly sharing the gospel to impact others for Christ - we can also be missional with our influence.
Matthew 5:14-16 “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.
Whether you are aware or not, you do influence those around you. And if you claim to be a Christian, that is a responsibility. We are known by our fruits: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). But some influence is covert, meaning you may not even intend to send a message, but you are.
Here’s the question: Are you known for what you are FOR or what you are AGAINST? In our current culture, we are vocally divided on political and social viewpoints. We must balance truth with grace and follow a biblical model for how we point people to Jesus. We need to hold back from speaking in a way that promotes division, slander, malicious judgment, or truth without love. A relationship with Christ is what we’re for. Without a relationship with Jesus, other biblical truths may fall on deaf ears. Let’s see what the bible says that looks like:
1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. Romans 15:5-9 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.
Be about the Lord’s business. Are you pointing to Jesus with your words and behavior, or simply condemning sin with your mouth?
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Romans 12:18 NIV If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Examine your words and actions - are you doing a good job of gently and respectfully pointing people to Jesus?
For a deeper dive, read Proverbs 11:12 NLT
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