Kingdom Influence Part 15

At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Influence,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.

For the last eight weeks in our Kingdom Influence series, Jesus has been forming something deep within us through the Beatitudes. He has been shaping our hearts, our posture, and our way of seeing the world. Blessed are the poor in spirit. Blessed are those who mourn. Blessed are the meek. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Each of these has been about who we are becoming on the inside. But now, in Matthew 5:13–16, Jesus begins to turn a corner. He moves from formation to influence. From who we are becoming to how that life begins to touch the world around us.

Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV)
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

And the first thing He says is striking: “You are the salt of the earth.” Notice what He does not say. He does not say, “Try harder to be salt.” He does not say, “One day you might become salt.” He says, “You are.” This is identity language. If you are in Christ, you already carry influence. Whether you realize it or not, your life is having an effect. The question is not if you are influencing the world around you. The question is how.

Salt, in the ancient world, was incredibly valuable. It preserved what would otherwise decay. It enhanced what might otherwise seem bland. It brought out what was already there. In the same way, as Jesus forms our lives, our presence begins to slow the decay of the world around us. Not in loud or forceful ways, but often in quiet, steady faithfulness. In a world that can be harsh, we bring grace. In a world that can be corrupt, we carry integrity. In a world that often loses its way, we embody a different way of living.

This is why the Beatitudes matter so much. They are not just ideals to admire. They are the very source of our influence. As we continue to be shaped by Jesus, our lives begin to carry His presence into every space we enter.

So what does this mean for us? It means you do not have to strive to be influential. You are already positioned for it. The invitation is simply this: stay close to Jesus, continue becoming who He is forming you to be, and trust that your life, quietly and powerfully, will shape the world around you.

This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we will discuss all this and more, so be sure to join us in person or online.

Steve Lawes is a pastor at Keys Vineyard Church and also the founder of the Online Bible Institute Network.