Influence

Upon reading the title of this post, I’m guessing you either assumed this is going to be about “protecting one's reputation” or “living up to the name ‘Christian’”. 

Which one matters most; this one or that one? 

The answer is: both. For a couple of minutes, let’s stop and think about how others perceive us.

  

“…he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” – 1 Tim. 3:7 (ESV)

In 1 Tim. 3, verse seven, Paul describes to Timothy how those who are chosen to lead Christ’s church must be well thought of by outsiders. This piqued my curiosity – in 2 Tim. 3:12, Paul states that “all who desire to lead a Godly life will be persecuted”. 

Is this a contradiction? 

The qualities given for "overseers" are good qualities for anyone to have. 

If God gives us a list of the qualities for those whom he wants to lead his church, then we know that those standards are good standards to live up to.

With that in mind, one might say that this verse tells us it is good for every Christian to have a good reputation.

So, Christians are supposed to be well thought of by non-Christians, yet all who even desire to be Christians are going to be persecuted? 

What does it even mean to be a Christian? 

Christian means “Christ-like” – and Christ was beaten and crucified because He was hated so much by those who didn’t accept His teachings.

Yet, Paul still states that Christians, specifically the overseers, are to be well thought of by outsiders. 

How does this work?

Turn in your Bible to Titus 2:6-8. 

In these verses, Paul describes the ideal young man, but his advice can be applied to anyone who is a Christian. 

He describes someone who is self-controlled and a model of good works; someone who shows integrity, dignity, and sound speech in teaching so that he or she cannot be condemned; someone whose opponents will be put to shame because they have nothing evil to say of the individual. 

This verse pretty well ties 1 Tim. 3:7 and 1 Tim. 3:12 together. 

While Christians will be persecuted by others, it should only be for doing what is right in the sight of God. 

We should ensure that our speech is always “gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Col. 4:5, 6) 

If you are a Christian, as I am, then your light should shine as an example to the world; others should see us and think “what a generous, self-controlled, mature, joyful person that is; is that what it really means to be a Christian? I want to be like that.” 

If someone lives a Godly life, it does not necessarily guarantee that the persecution will end. 

However, by being consistent in dedicating oneself to meeting others’ spiritual and physical needs and guiding them towards Christ, not only can each one of us be a good influence for non-Christians, we will make those who persecute Christians feel guilty. 

“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and The Lord will reward you.” (Prov. 25:21; Rom. 12:20, 21).

This does not mean that non-Christians are enemies to Christians, in the sense of a true enemy.

Enemies, in our modern sense of the word, fight and harm each other.

They fight so that they each may gain because of their enemy's loss.

This type of enmity is not what this verse is speaking of.

Rather, it means that all Christians should show generosity and kindness towards those who persecute us. 

By doing this, Christians will help non-believers and increase the potential influence that Christ can have in the lives of those who do not follow Him.

We can see this concept in action in Acts 2:14-41. 

Jesus Christ was completely innocent – He never once sinned or broke the laws of the land (render unto Caesar…Matt. 22:19-21), nor did He harm anyone. 

He loved everyone in the world, and He devoted His entire life to saving us. 

As the Jews who had killed Jesus listened to Peter’s message and realized that they had crucified the innocent Son of God, they realized what He had done for them. “...they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” 

In the same fashion, when others who persecute Christians realize that they have persecuted people who are self-controlled, a model of good works, who show integrity, dignity, and sound speech in their teaching – truly good people of whom no one can speak evil about – they will know that we are different. 

They will know that Christians are indeed Christ-like. Read John 15:18-25.

“With great power comes great responsibility.” 

No, that isn’t a Bible verse. 

It’s a quote from Spider-Man (my favorite superhero). 

However, this quote rings true in every part of our lives, especially in the Christian aspect, if you are a Christian. (Lk. 12:48). 

Those who are not yet saved look to Christians to see what life is like for someone who claims to be Christ-like; they look to Christians to show them who Jesus is. 

With that in mind; while we, as Christians, strive to better ourselves and present ourselves as good influences, let’s make sure that we aren’t bragging about the things we’re doing for God or trying to appear “holy”.

Before you read any further, read Matthew 5:3-7:27. It’s a long reading, I know, but this section of scripture is one of the best scriptures I’ve found on influence.

While we could go into much more detail on influence, I think it is safe to summarize everything we could say about the Christian's reputation by generally stating that having a good reputation is a must. 

Even when Christians are persecuted, if others truly cannot find a solid reason to continue the persecution, they may be convicted of our innocence later and repent. 

Since the Christian's life is one of the main ways in which he or she can teach others, and since everyone will be held accountable for our actions, let’s all show integrity, dignity, and sound speech as we live from day to day. 

More importantly, let’s live as close as we can to the same exact way Christ would live if He were in our shoes, based upon what we can discern from his teachings. 



“And I heard the voice of The Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” And He said, “Go, and say to this people…” (Is. 6:8, 9) 

Many in the world today wear the name Christ, but few are willing to make the sacrifice. 

If you are a Christian, join me in ensuring that we aren’t just wearing the name of Christ; let’s live up to it. 

I read a saying once on a fitness website – we can apply this to running the race that is set before us in Hebrews 12:

Those who win say it may be difficult but it is possible. Those who lose say it may be possible but it is too difficult. Which are you?

Thanks for reading, 

- Bro. Ethan