Influence the society for God

Society began in Genesis. Gradually, it increased to consist of men, women, children, and later, youths. Influencing the society at this stage could be simple. But with differentiating features as language groups and divers religions, society became complex and difficult to influence. The emergence of nations, tribes, politics, education, inventions and civilization, which are characteristics of the society, makes influencing it more complicated. Thus, a church ministry that will influence society must focus on all aspects of it. Ignorance or elementary understanding of the society is the reason the church has failed in its effort to influence it. And, with civilization, complexity and multiplicity of people in the society, the believer needs to learn the paradigm shift of influence and adapt it.

Christ declares: “Ye are the salt of the earth…” The believer’s influence in the world is compared to that of salt on food. Shepherds know that the rod is used to control animals, yet Moses used it to control and influence the entire nation of Egypt and delivered the Israelites. David also used little stones meant to hunt down birds to kill a giant, Goliath. A shadow may be insignificant but Peter’s shadow was used to heal the sick. The ass is known to be a dull and stupid animal, but its jawbone was used by Samson to kill thousands of Philistines. Though the raven is categorised as an unclean, insignificant bird, God used it to feed Elijah during famine. All these help to illustrate how members of our congregation, who may appear insignificant can be agents of change in our society.

Christ’s purpose is to use believers who are “the salt of the earth” to make positive impact on our decaying society. Jericho appeared pleasant, but the water was poisonous and the ground barren, and Elisha knew the solution would be to apply salt. “And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.” The Lord reveals that the solution to any problem in any nation is “the salt”, that is, the believers. Believers, like salt, are expected to be morally pure and good. But if the salt is bottled up, it is useless. If believers remain in their church buildings, they are useless. The Lord wants even distribution of salt to every part of the society and soon, positive change will be manifest.

How do we identify the salt of the earth? Believers are Kingdom citizens. They were in the kingdom of darkness and of this world, but the Lord saved and transferred them into His Kingdom. “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” Now, they are free from the authority and power of the former kingdom. The Holy Trinity, angels and demons know that the believer is a citizen of God’s kingdom. The believer himself needs to know that he is a child of God with authority and power. This identification will make him go anywhere with boldness to do exploits for God.

The believer has no reason to fail. Having properly identified himself as a kingdom citizen with power and authority, he must know that Christ is praying for him. The only ministry Jesus is carrying out now in heaven is intercession, not preaching, healing or evangelism. All His prayers for us while on earth have been answered and His unceasing intercession for us will continue to be answered. As a believer, Jesus is praying for you and, nothing will ever happen contrary to the answers of Christ’s prayer for you. Therefore, you must not act like an orphan. And when you join your prayer with other believers’ to that of Christ, it becomes a mighty force. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Through Christ’s intercession, your problems are solved and sicknesses are healed. And, the purpose for which He left you on earth – to be salt of the earth – will be fulfilled.

Believers need impartation of the Spirit of God. When Elijah was to be taken away from the world, he asked Elisha what he wanted. Elisha responded by requesting for a double portion of Elijah’s anointing. Some people think that it is an evidence of pride to ask for something greater. So, they ask for a little portion of anointing, power or understanding. But Christ Himself did not promise a fraction of the Spirit of God. He says, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” Anointing for greater works that Jesus promised is available for every believer, so that he or she can become an effective influence in the society. Elijah was taken up by the chariots of God, but Elisha got his mantle and the double impartation of his anointing. The power and anointing that can make you the salt of the earth or a change agent in every nation is available by impartation.
Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 5:13; 2 Kings 2:19-22; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 7:25; 2 Kings 2:1-14.