"Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died."
Romans 14:15
A popular college student was an outstanding football player. He made a commitment of his life to Jesus Christ. Word spread quickly across campus that he had become a Christian. His coach, also a Christian, said to him, "You have a lot of influence on this campus. People are going to be watching you. Your influence can be used of God to change other lives, but it could also be used to cause others to stumble and turn away from the gospel of Christ if you go astray." The young man said, "Coach, that's a big responsibility." The coach replied, "The more influence we have, the more responsibility we have. Don't forget, they are watching."
The apostle Paul warned Christians that their example could cause others to stumble. The issue in that day was eating food sacrificed to other gods. There was nothing wrong with the food, but there is a terrible sin in idolatry. Others were watching them. Eating food sacrificed to idols could be a negative influence on others.
You have influence with others. That influence can be used as a blessing to them, or it could cause them to stumble. God gives us influence to be used for His glory. How much influence can He trust with you? Where we have failed with our influence, we can humble ourselves and admit we were wrong. If God should trust us with more influence and popularity, remember it's for His glory alone. Your influence counts in the lives of others.
Prayer: Father, we want our influence to count for You. Where we have failed, forgive us. Use our influence for Your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
