1. The following Epitaph was found on a tombstone: A child of whom her playmates said it was easier to be good when she was with us. A beautiful tribute to the power of a good influence Our influence is of vital importance to us and others God wants you and your influence. Give your life to Christ and by living for Him you can influence others to accept Him I know of no better time than now to consider our influence on others

2. THE INFLUENCE OF JESUS – Jesus is our example 1Pet 2:21 – He is the worlds greatest influence – Even Napoleon spoke of His influence Can you conceive of a dead man making conquest with an army faithful and entirely devoted to His memory? – Jesus speaks and at once generations become His by stricter, closer ties than those of blood – Jesus influence lives through His word and the lives of His followers

4. CHRISTIANS MUST EXERCISE A GOOD INFLUENCE – The kingdom of heaven, the church, is a kingdom of influence Matt 16:18; 13:33 – Ye are the salt of the earth Matt 5:13; Gen 6:5-7 Gen 18:20-33; 19:13 – Ye are the light of the world Matt 5:14; Eph 5:8 – A wife can win her husband by her godly living 1Pet 3:1-2

5. HOW TO EXERCISE A GOOD INFLUENCE – Dont be a stumbling block Rom 14:13; 1Cor 8:13; Matt 6:33 – Be uncompromising Contend earnestly Jude 1:3 Be stable in all your ways Jas 1:8; Show faith by works Jas 2:18 Serve the needs of others Matt 20:28; 23:11; 25:35

6. OUR INFLUENCE LIVES AFTER DEATH – No matter if it is good or bad it continues Rev 14:13 – Influence of parents lives in the lives of their children 2Tim 1:5; 3:15

7. Christ, our example, had and continues to have the greatest influence of anyone who ever lived 1Pet 2:21 What kind of influence do we have on those with whom we have company, our children, husband, wife, friends, even our enemies? Lets make sure our influence is a good one The only way to do that is to obey God and there is no better time than NOW 2Cor 6:2