We are all shaped by influence—from family, friends, and colleagues—just as we shape others, often without realizing it. A nation’s character frequently reflects the impact of influential figures and even languages spread through persuasion rather than force. In many ways, influence surpasses other forms of power.
Christianity, through its uplifting influence, seeks to bring meaningful change to a disordered world. Those who genuinely follow Christ view life from a distinct perspective, one that often diverges from the mainstream. Too frequently, harmful conditions are accepted as normal, while goodness is mistakenly viewed as rare. This confusion, pervasive in our world, becomes clearer when examined through the lens of influence.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV).
Jesus’ words capture the essence of Christian responsibility. What passes for nominal Christianity often blames circumstances rather than acknowledging our role within them. Authentic faith means thinking and acting differently from the majority, illuminating humanity’s true condition. Yet living this way can feel like swimming against a powerful current—a truth Paul conveyed to believers in Rome:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV).
These words aren’t meant to foster superiority or self-glorification, but to emphasize our responsibility to improve the world. Jesus exemplified this responsibility, carrying humanity’s sins despite His own innocence. Where authentic Christianity thrives, it cultivates positive environments; where it’s absent, the opposite often prevails.
The Call to Engagement
We inhabit an increasingly dangerous world where public harassment or attacks are treated as normal spectator events. Political violence and even daylight killings often meet indifference. “Minding your own business” has become a virtue, yet this same attitude would be condemned if violence targeted you personally.
Avoiding trouble has become the norm, with Christianity sometimes reduced to a means of personal protection—when it actually demands the opposite. The prevailing advice is to look away, to avoid anything resembling political involvement. Speaking against abusers is deemed risky, while abusers themselves exploit their freedom under political protection. True evil is any behavior that causes harm to others.
Christians must not allow anyone to silence their voices of reason or be intimidated by worldly patterns. Authentic believers are freed from fear, strengthened by Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. The real question is how many are prepared to stand for what’s right. Choosing comfort and remaining passive amid chaos contradicts Christian values—there is no place for indifference in this faith.
The scriptures above demonstrate that authentic Christianity extends beyond comfortable living or outward appearance. Genuine Christian comfort is only possible when our surroundings are in an acceptable state. When environments are dominated by rapists, abusers, drug dealers, and criminals, authentic faith cannot flourish.
Some might dismiss this view, arguing that addressing such conditions is the police’s responsibility. But with moral decay so widespread, even institutions can become compromised. Only those transformed by renewed minds can grasp the duty of sharing God’s perfect word. The more dangerous the surroundings, the greater the need for Christians to be present.
The Weight of Responsibility
This responsibility may seem heavy, but it becomes manageable when one understands Jesus’ power. However, merely repeating His name without working to improve our environment is meaningless. As Christ’s representatives, Christians carry the cross—and anyone afraid of it cannot truly be called a follower.
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence” (1 John 3:16-18 NIV).
Christian responsibility is clearly outlined for those who genuinely wish to follow Christ. Believers shouldn’t fixate solely on personal salvation. While deliverance matters, true followers understand that salvation remains incomplete without helping others find theirs. One may experience spiritual freedom, yet it’s incomplete if they ignore others’ needs.
The Illusion of Success
What makes contemporary society troubling is the false notion that success means living better than others. This creates divisions between social classes—those enjoying lavish lives and those struggling in poverty. Even marketplaces cater separately to the rich and the poor. The impoverished endure harsh conditions while the wealthy enjoy comfort and privilege.
Those in hardship often wish to join the so-called upper class, yet their inability to change circumstances forces them to reject their own reality. Ironically, those labeled as outcasts are often used to maintain the polished image of the wealthy. Success becomes tied to luxury, frequently achieved without any effort to improve the surrounding world. This reveals the negative influence’s impact on society, rather than highlighting the positive influence.
Some wealth is built upon the struggles of impoverished communities. Many focus on improving their own standard of living without caring about conditions next door, creating harsh realities for the poor. Poverty and lawlessness tend to spread, and eventually those living in comfort may face consequences. People often accept poverty as normal, though it shouldn’t be this way.
Among the so-called successful are drug dealers and criminals who profit from activities that worsen struggling areas. High-class appearances are celebrated as success, even when they add no value to others’ lives. As long as wealth is flaunted without question—where “mind your own business” is the mantra—negative influence flourishes.
Promoted as a path to prosperity, wealth accumulation has become trendy. The wealthy may display their status arrogantly while ignoring surrounding poverty. This reflects a nation in decline, where corrupt politicians act unchecked. The power of influence can be driven by either positive or negative forces.
The Power of Positive Influence
Positive change could happen if Christians used their influence for the greater good. The power of positive influence plays a key role in spreading God’s Kingdom. How we treat neighbors, family, and community shapes the atmosphere, promoting sanity and order without overstepping into others’ responsibilities.
A good example can spark compassion for those in need, sometimes coming from unexpected places. Just as influence can foster kindness, it can also lead to negativity if corrupted. Observant, influential people often focus on helping the needy, encouraging others to live with love and integrity—reflecting authentic Christian values.
Simple acts like greeting with warmth or offering help can inspire better behavior. A single virtuous person can instill a positive culture in society. In today’s age of social media, influence extends to shaping conversations and behaviors online. While some criticize platforms like WhatsApp, these can be used to share uplifting ideas and guide others toward right living.
Civilized conversations can be shaped through social chat groups, where positive communication can make a real difference. The full impact of social media remains incompletely understood, though it clearly carries profound, immeasurable benefits. At the same time, its negative effects can reflect an absence of authentic Christian values.
Whether social media promotes right or wrong behavior depends on which influence dominates society. As a tool of influence, we must decide which side to support, aware of what promotes human flourishing. Spoken words hold immense power over people’s actions, and it’s important to remember that every word has an origin.
Sharing positive information is a great way to be a source of goodness. Instead of spreading negativity, it’s far better to pass along constructive messages that can benefit others. While some people excel at creating uplifting content, those who share it widely are just as important as the creators themselves. For Christians, sharing the gospel is a responsibility that everyone carries, regardless of their role.
During His time on Earth, Jesus spoke often, always affirming that His words came from His Father. Authentic Christians are called to follow this example, ensuring Jesus’ words flow from them at all times. Idle talk that ignores God’s Kingdom has no place in a believer’s life.
Words That Shape Reality
What message do our words send to non-Christians? Only two opposing forces exist in the universe: life, which comes from God, and death, which leads toward oblivion. Blaming others in despair accomplishes nothing, but owning the effort to foster positive communication can make a real difference. God has given Christians the responsibility to encourage good behavior within their communities.
Are Jesus’ words truly being shared worldwide by believers, or are they being withheld by those merely calling themselves Christians? God’s word has the power to change lives and the world in an instant. So where are the true followers of Christ? Just as the enemy works to sustain harmful conditions, the question is whether people are spreading good or bad news.
It comes down to whether someone is a child of God or chooses to follow His enemy, hidden in lies. Jesus brought dramatic changes to worship practices in Jerusalem and beyond, and His influence continues today. But do we have enough people living by His teachings to inspire good behavior? Sadly, some pretend to be Christians, twisting His words for selfish reasons and advancing the enemy’s work rather than God’s.
While many preachers share God’s word across different churches, others fall under leaders with cult-like control, pulling loyalty toward themselves. Jesus’ pure message cannot shine when clouded by impostors misusing His name and blocking His true power.
Still, this doesn’t change the fact that God’s word is proclaimed, even in less-than-ideal situations. Amid the tangle of deception, the faithful few can distinguish truth from lies. These are the people you can count on to spread the gospel even in imperfect settings. Jesus pointed out that deception often seems to have the advantage, just as it did in His day:
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:12-16 NIV).
Choosing Sides
The best way to distinguish truth from lies is to measure what people say against Jesus’ teachings. Still, everyone has a role in revealing what’s good or bad in the world around them. For humanity’s sake and the future, it’s better to reflect the goodness found in Jesus’ words than to yield to darkness. Let authentic Christians stand and speak against evil—for the good of our nations and people everywhere.
The power of influence resides in those with the courage to uphold truth rather than blend into the background. Life is a blessing that invites good people to speak out and push back against harm caused by negativity. Places known for excellence typically show the positive impact of good people, while the toughest environments reveal damage when bad influences take control.
The choice of influence—its direction, its expression, its ultimate impact—rests with each person claiming to follow Christ. May we choose wisely.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, relieving those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book to be a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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