Of all the strange things the internet has thrown up one of the strangest to me is the “influencer.” As far as I understand it, this is a person who gets paid to take pictures and videos of themselves using a product and then posting those pictures and videos on social media. There are lots of influencers and I suppose some of them make some sort of sense. For example, if I was in the market for a new piece of equipment and there was an influencer who was an expert in the field with a video demonstrating the strengths and weaknesses of each of my options, I can see value there. However, most influencers have little or no expertise and are influencers simply because many people accept that they are. I don’t want to be unkind, but it is a virtual version of the emperor’s clothes. The objective reality or non-reality of the emperor’s clothes was irrelevant until the small boy spoke his famous phrase. Most of these influencers have literally nothing to offer beyond their presence in a still or moving picture.
People who are in a relationship with God through Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit are called to be an influence, but not an influencer. In the Gospel according to Matthew Jesus talks about us being salt and light. Our influence is us being salt and light. Today’s sermons take a look at what this might mean and how it might work out.
“Our influence” Knox Presbyterian (to download, right click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
“Our influence” St. Mark’s Presbyterian (to download, right click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
Blessings,
PS You may be wondering about the person named Wally referenced in the Knox Presbyterian sermon. Wally Kupper was part of the Knox congregation and died unexpectedly in late January. I officiated at his funeral yesterday, February 8, 2020, so the loss was very near the surface. If you want to know a bit more about Wally, click the link to view his obituary Wally Kupper obituary
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