Posted on March 11, 2026, 10:17 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre
The word influence means the power to affect the behaviour or thinking of people without using direct force. Christians described as those that are not of the world, (John.17:16) are to live a lifestyle that can affect the non-Christian world to change their behaviour and thinking. Christians as the priests of the Old Testament era, are the messengers of the Lord of hosts from whom the people seek the knowledge of God. (Mal.2:7) They are to influence the non-Christian world to have the knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ. Not only to have the knowledge and understanding, but to know and follow Him. They are to live a lifestyle that displays the love and humility of Christ which truly portrays them as people of God representing Christ as Christ ambassadors in the non-Christian world. (2 Cor.5:20a) In summary, Christians must be cautious to continue in belief and behaviour of things that are fundamental to Salvation if they have to influence the non-Christian world. For a Christian to influence the non-Christian world, he must himself be reconciled to God. Apostle Paul while exhorting the Corinthians says, “We implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor.5:20b) One can be reconciled to God by putting away all behavioural practice that would separate him from God. He must refrain from all forms of unholiness and maintain steady fellowship with God. The Bible says, anyone who continue to sin, while he says he has fellowship with God is deceiving himself. (1 John.1:6) Therefore, a Christian who wants to influence the non-Christian world should ensure deep relationship with God. A lifestyle that is characterized with courage will influence the non-Christian world. A lifestyle that is not afraid of the threats of the world nor troubled even if he should suffer for righteousness’s sake. He must not fear those who are persecuting him because of his Christian living, but always ready to give a defense for the reason of his hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter.3:14-15) It includes behaving with integrity among the non-Christian world in whose presence he lives in a way that also presents hope to them and bring glory to God. (1 Peter 2:12) Speech that comes out from Christian’s mouth should be of the nature that is appealing to the non-Christian world. Gentle speech that comes from a meek heart draws people to one’s conduct while harsh speech repels people. Speech from a Christian’s mouth that is seasoned with pleasant and inoffensive speech laced with grace will truly influence all whom it comes into contact. (Col.4:6) Speech that adds value and makes one to listen to the extent of understanding the gospel and thereby receive the grace to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour. Not a speech of lying, gossiping and laying curses with the mouth that is used to pray. Dear brethren, you and I owe our Lord the responsibility to godly influence the non-Christian world in our communities and around us. We can only achieve this by making Christ the focus and centre point of our lives and maintain constant dependent relationship with Him. Allowing the word of God to transform our hearts through the power of the Holy spirit so much that we can display conduct that glorifies God at all times. Evangelism The non-Christian world requires immediate need of Jesus Christ, it our duty to take the good news to them. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre
Click this link to register to get notifications for new posts