"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Being a good manager of what God has given to you is called stewardship. When you hear the word "stewardship" you may think of money or property, but it means much more than that. Perhaps the most important responsibility we have to manage is our influence on others.

How silly would it be to turn on a light and then cover it with something? The purpose for the light is to illuminate the room so that people may see. So to cover the light would be to defeat the very purpose for which it exists. Likewise, those whom God has called are to shine as lights to those who are in darkness so that they may see their way out.

How you live your life is how you let your light shine. You have influence one way or the other. Your influence is serving to lead others -is your influence leading them in the right direction?

A mother had to take her young son to school one morning because his father was on a business trip. She noticed that the little boy kept looking around as if he was expecting to see someone he knew. Finally, she asked, "Son, who are you looking for? The little boy replied, -"Idiots! Dad and I see at least four idiots on the way to school everyday." Obviously, his father had an unexpected influence on his young son. You too are serving to influence others, either good or bad.

Have you ever noticed that it is easy to be good when you are with some people and easy to be bad when you are with some others? Some people’s lights are so bright that you wouldn’t even think about making a derogatory comment or telling a shady joke around them. You know that they are not interested in wallowing in the mire with you but want instead to raise you up to greater heights. That is true leadership. That is being a good steward. That is managing your influence wisely.