"Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark!"

We've all heard that phrase before after someone did something that physically hurt them or we've even said it ourselves: "Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark!" But what if we used that phrase in a more positive light? What if we used that phrase to challenge us to 'leave a mark' in the world we live in? What if?
From the church you attend, to the place where you call home, to the schools you attend, to the marketplace you encounter everyday...are you leaving a mark? Check out this challenge from Matthew 5 (NKJV).


¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

I know I'm asking a lot of 'what if' questions already but let me now challenge you with something that has been stirring in my own life lately. Wherever I go and whomever I come into contact with, I want to leave a mark that says JESUS WAS HERE!

Are we impacting the lives of people around us not just in a positive way but in an eternal way?
Are we willing to put down the remote control, step away from the computer, put down the fork, take the phone call, make the time to minister to people, to comfort people, to be light in the darkness?


As believers we need to impact everywhere we go and everyone we come into contact with. I grew up hearing this: "Wherever you go, take the Kingdom of God, take the Kingdom! Every step you place your foot, take the Kingdom!" 

As children of the Light, when we step into darkness, darkness should flee and hearts should be convicted by the truth that emanates from us! This is Truth. Read it again in Matthew 5. As salt, we should be used to preserve truth but bring a bitter taste to the mouths of sinners because the Truth convicts and offends! Yes, it offends...and that's okay!

Wherever Jesus went He stirred up religious leaders, convicted hearts with truth, healed people, delivered people from demonic oppression, listened, taught, and ministered! He left a mark wherever He went that said 'Jesus Was Here!' Will you leave that kind of mark on the lives you touch?



More thoughts to come on leaving a mark. Here are some easy Application Points.

1. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in conversations. He'll present an opportunity to be His conduit to flow through if you are willing to obey and trust Him.
2. Pray over the place where you live and work. Declare God's Name, authority and praises over your workplace and neighborhood.
3. Be careful about what you say. I don't mean political correctness. I mean, watch your mouth. Don't let any course language or perverse-talk even enter your heart to then be repeated. The world sees our fruit and they need to hear believers speaking life and not death.
4. There's nothing more contradicting that a Christian who seems mad or depressed all the time. I don't mean to disrespect any believer that deals with depression but I've seen way to many believers always walking around with the heads down! Believers, you are free from the bondages of sin and the world wants to hear and see the truth through you! Smile. Put your shoulders back. Keep your chin up. Laugh and walk in freedom. People will know us by the fruit they see in our lives!