Influence

In the biblical context, influence refers to the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, especially in a spiritual or moral sense. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the power and responsibility of influence.

One of the most direct teachings on influence is found in Matthew 5:13-16, where Jesus calls His followers to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world." Salt, in the ancient world, was used for preservation and flavor, symbolizing the Christian's role in preserving godliness and adding the flavor of righteousness to the world. Light, on the other hand, represents the visibility of good works and truth, meant to guide others to glorify God. Jesus states, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the influence of believers in 1 Corinthians 15:33, warning, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This highlights the reciprocal nature of influence, where both positive and negative associations can impact one's moral and spiritual state.

The influence of a godly life is further emphasized in 1 Peter 2:12, where Peter urges believers to "conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us" . Here, the influence of a righteous life serves as a testimony to non-believers, potentially leading them to faith.

Testimony

Testimony in the Bible refers to the declaration or affirmation of truth, particularly concerning one's faith and the works of God. It is both a personal and communal expression of belief and experience with God.

The concept of testimony is rooted in the Old Testament, where the Israelites were commanded to remember and recount the mighty works of God. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Moses instructs the people, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" . This passage underscores the importance of passing down the testimony of God's faithfulness to future generations.

In the New Testament, testimony takes on a personal dimension as believers are called to bear witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' words to His disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" . This charge establishes the foundational role of testimony in the spread of the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul frequently shares his personal testimony as a means of evangelism and encouragement. In Galatians 1:23-24, he recounts how others responded to his transformation: "They only heard the account: 'The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.' And they glorified God because of me" . Paul's testimony of conversion and mission serves as a powerful example of how personal accounts of faith can lead others to glorify God.

Revelation 12:11 highlights the overcoming power of testimony, stating, "They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death" . This verse illustrates the spiritual victory achieved through the combination of Christ's sacrifice and the believer's testimony.

In summary, both influence and testimony are integral to the Christian life, serving as means through which believers can impact the world and bear witness to the truth of the Gospel.