THE INFLUENCE OF A SERVANT

Text - Matthew 5:13-16

Introduction


This morning I am going to continue with my series of sermons on the topic of, "Being A Servant".

When you think of the one person in your life who has influenced you the most, outside of Jesus Christ, who is it that comes to your mind? Is it:

    a.    A brother or sister?

    b.    Your teacher?

    c.    Your boss?

    d.    Your friend

    e.    Another Christian?

    f.    Your mother?

    g.    Your father?

In growing up, probably one of the most influential figures in a person's life is a father.

Along with this tremendous amount of influence comes an equal amount of responsibility to be the kind of father whose influence affects others in such a way that they will become servants of Jesus Christ.  This requires each of us as fathers to be servants of Christ also.

Are we who are fathers serving Jesus in such a way to influence our children to serve him also?

Recently I came across a poem which I believe describes the kind of responsibility that we as fathers have when it comes to influencing our children.

Father, there's a call for you;

Watch your step!

Little eyes see all you do;

Watch your step!


Little feet go daddy's way follow you from day to day,

Lead, O lead them not astray;

Watch your step!

Walk the safe and narrow way;

Watch your step!


Let the children hear you pray;

Watch your step!

Would your ways of wisdom teach;

With god's truth their young hearts reach?

Then be faithful, I beseech;

Watch your step!


Father, near your journey's end;

Watch your step!

Let the savior be your friend;

Watch your step!

He will guide your feet aright,

To the land of pure delight;

Would you walk with him in white?

Watch your step!"


Within the family there is a great need for fathers to exhibit true Christian influence.

According to a study done by the university of Rhode Island, "The American home is the most dangerous place to be, outside of riots and war!"

Here in America no less than 30 percent of all couples experience some kind of domestic violence in their lifetimes.

Twenty percent of all police officers killed in the line of duty are killed while answering calls involving family fights.

Each year six to fifteen million women are battered in our nation.

Surely, no one would ever argue that there is a need for Christian influence not only in the home but also within our society as a whole.

Our text this morning is found in Matthew 5:13-16 and the title of my sermon is, "The Influence Of A Servant".

On February 9, 1964, the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and captivated the youth of America. After hearing their music, I started a band with next door neighbor and best friend, Gary Max. The Beatles’ performance had such an impact on us that we wanted to be like them. Their influence changed our lives.

Years later, the power of influence came to mean something much more to me as I began my journey as a follower of Christ. I desired to live under the influence of Christ, and I also wanted to be an influencer of others by pointing them to Jesus.  That’s when God called me into the ministry.

In part, this is what Jesus challenges us to understand in Matthew 5:13-16. Salt and light are influential factors in a dark and corrupt world, and Christ, who is the Light of the world, calls us to be lights of influence as well.

So this morning we’re going to look at our text and see what kind of influence we as servants can have within the world today.