In recent weeks, two different musicians headlined stadium tours each promising three consecutive concerts held within a few hours of Weakley County.

The first tour took place in Oxford, MS featuring country star Morgan Wallen. The weekend ended on a sour note when Wallen failed to appear for the final concert. Despite an explanation offered by concert officials, fans who spent hundreds of dollars on tickets and travel expenses were disappointed by what they perceived as mismanagement by the artist and his team.

Two weeks later, pop sensation Taylor Swift performed in Nashville. The weekend ended on a high note after fans took shelter for hours during a thunderstorm delay, only to have Swift reemerge and perform her entire 3 ½ hour show in a driving rain for the 70,000 fans gathered at Nissan Stadium. Many concert goers remarked that the experience became even more memorable as the crowd joined together to sing the whole show despite the terrible weather conditions.

While these incidents concern fans and celebrity entertainers, we also leave an impression in each of life’s interactions.

We are not paid performers, but we are called to be intentional about the impact we leave with the people we encounter each day.

In the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7), Jesus employs multiple images to talk about using our influence to draw others toward God.

In referencing light, Jesus declares that His followers are “the light of the world” (Mt 5:14).

We understand the attractive qualities of light. Physically and psychologically, we feel safer and more secure in a well-lit place. If we look into darkness, our eyes are immediately drawn to the points of light. A light in darkness even instinctually impacts insects and animals- whether a porch light or a full moon.

As believers, we are to point to God as the true light in Whom there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). We let our little lights shine to direct and draw people to Him as the source of light and life. Just as physical light is essential for our flourishing and thriving, sharing spiritual light is vital to faithfully following Jesus.

Jesus also paralleled the influence of a believer with being “the salt of the earth” (Mt 5:13).

Salt is a fascinating element in our world- needed in life, preserving in death, and impacting the flavor and nature of everything it touches. As any cook will tell you, even just “a pinch of salt” has a big impact on a dish. Salt is abundant, and yet precious. Until modern refrigeration, salting/curing was a primary method of preserving food. Through history, salt served as valuable currency and a staple of provisions.

It takes no culinary expertise to notice the absence of salt in a favorite meal, or conversely, the overuse of salt in our food. While salt is often a foundational ingredient, just a little bit makes a big difference.

The correlation of a Christ-like influence is apparent- even a small amount of love, grace, and compassion impacts the whole flavor of the lives it touches.

When we engage with others, do they feel warmed by the light and love of Christ or do they feel cold rejection at our indifference?

Do people taste the goodness of the Lord (Ps 34:8) in our words and actions, or do they leave our presence with a lingering bitter aftertaste from our scorn or judgment?

As has often been said, “People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”  

We want the impression we leave to draw others closer to Christ.

Through our daily actions and attitudes, may we always strive to leave each person we encounter with a faithful impression of the Lord we claim to serve.