Take a step toward doing more. Look for ways to serve, lead, and create change in the places God has positioned you.
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock.
[00:00:42] The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ,
[00:00:49] rightly dividing the word of truth, and learning how to apply it to our daily lives.
[00:00:55] You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast.
[00:00:59] And now, here's Elgin.
[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of our risen Savior, Jesus to Christ,
[00:01:08] to another edition of Words of Inspiration.
[00:01:12] And today we are on the third episode of our series, Be More, Do More, Have More.
[00:01:20] Today's episode is titled, Called to do more.
[00:01:25] Our inspiration comes from Matthew chapter 5 verses 14 through 16.
[00:01:32] And reading from the New International Version, it reads,
[00:01:36] You are the light of the world.
[00:01:38] A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
[00:01:42] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
[00:01:46] Instead, they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.
[00:01:53] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
[00:02:03] This passage reminds us of our responsibility as believers to actively influence the world around us.
[00:02:11] God has called us to be participants in the marketplace, communities, and society at large, reflecting his kingdom principles.
[00:02:22] So today, we'll explore what it means to do more in the spheres of influence known as the seven mountains of society,
[00:02:30] which are family, religion, education, media, government, arts and entertainment, and business.
[00:02:41] Let's begin by understanding the foundation of our call to do more.
[00:02:47] Jesus describes believers as the light of the world, meant to shine in ways that glorify God and lead others to him.
[00:02:56] This light isn't confined to church walls.
[00:03:00] It's meant to be radiated into every corner of society.
[00:03:05] Matthew 5 and 16 challenges us to let our good deeds point people to God.
[00:03:11] This means using our skills, talents, and opportunities to make a tangible difference in the world.
[00:03:18] Whether it's in our workplaces, communities, or industries, we're called to actively participate and influence the world for Christ.
[00:03:29] To fulfill our call to do more, we must engage with the spheres of influence that shape society.
[00:03:36] These seven mountains represent areas where believers can bring God's truth and love.
[00:03:44] Mountain number one, family.
[00:03:47] Families are the foundation of society.
[00:03:50] As believers, we're called to lead our families with integrity, love, and godly principles.
[00:03:58] Proverbs 22 and 6 reads,
[00:04:01] Start children off on the way they should go.
[00:04:03] And even when they are old, they will not turn from it.
[00:04:08] Investing in our families ensures a legacy of faith that impacts future generations.
[00:04:13] Mounted number two, religion.
[00:04:17] The church is a place of worship and discipleship, but our influence must extend beyond its walls.
[00:04:26] Matthew 28 verses 19 through 20 read,
[00:04:30] Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations,
[00:04:34] baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
[00:04:39] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
[00:04:44] We are called to lead spiritual transformation wherever God places us.
[00:04:50] Mounted number three, education.
[00:04:54] Believers can impact education by teaching and mentoring with integrity and godly values.
[00:05:01] Proverbs 9 and verse 10 reads,
[00:05:05] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
[00:05:11] Whether as teachers, administrators, or advocates,
[00:05:16] whether as teachers, administrators, or advocates,
[00:05:20] we can influence the education system to align with God's principles.
[00:05:26] Mounted number four, media.
[00:05:29] The media shapes perceptions and influences cultures.
[00:05:33] Believers can use this platform to promote truth, integrity, and hope.
[00:05:40] Philippians 4 and 8 reads,
[00:05:43] Finally, brothers and sisters,
[00:05:44] Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable,
[00:05:54] if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.
[00:05:59] We are called to create a support media that uplifts and inspires.
[00:06:06] Mounted number five, government.
[00:06:09] Righteous leaders bring peace and justice to society.
[00:06:14] Believers should advocate for policies that reflect God's values.
[00:06:18] Romans 13 and 1 reads,
[00:06:21] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,
[00:06:24] for there is no authority except that which God has established.
[00:06:29] Engaging in governance helps ensure fairness and righteousness in decision making.
[00:06:37] Mounted number six, arts and entertainment.
[00:06:41] The arts have the power to inspire and influence hearts.
[00:06:45] Believers can create works that reflect God's beauty and truth.
[00:06:50] Exodus 35 verses 31 through 32 read,
[00:06:55] And he has filled him with the spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge, and with all kinds of skills,
[00:07:04] to make artistic designs for the work in gold, silver, and bronze.
[00:07:10] Our creativity is a gift from God to glorify him and bless others.
[00:07:16] And finally, mountain number seven, business.
[00:07:20] Business is a tool for building communities and creating opportunities.
[00:07:26] Believers can model integrity, generosity, and service in the marketplace.
[00:07:32] Proverbs 11 and 1 reads,
[00:07:35] The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.
[00:07:41] Operating businesses with fairness and excellence reflects God's character.
[00:07:48] If you're wondering how to begin doing more in your sphere of influence, here are some practical steps.
[00:07:56] Number one, identify your sphere.
[00:07:59] Where has God placed you?
[00:08:02] Is it in the workplace, your community, or creative industry?
[00:08:07] Recognize the areas where you can have the greatest impact.
[00:08:11] Number two, start small.
[00:08:15] Change doesn't happen overnight.
[00:08:17] Begin with serving where you are.
[00:08:20] Using your gifts and resources to bless others.
[00:08:24] Number three, collaborate with others.
[00:08:27] Partner with like-minded believers to amplify your efforts.
[00:08:32] Together, we can accomplish more for God's kingdom.
[00:08:36] And finally, pray for guidance.
[00:08:39] Ask God to reveal how he wants you to use your influence.
[00:08:43] Trust him to open doors and provide opportunities.
[00:08:48] When believers actively participate in society, the ripple effect is profound.
[00:08:53] Our actions not only meet immediate needs, but also point people to God's love and truth.
[00:08:59] By stepping into our calling, we become ambassadors of his kingdom in every area of life.
[00:09:07] 2 Corinthians 5 and 20 reminds us,
[00:09:10] We are therefore Christ's ambassadors.
[00:09:13] As though God were making his appeal through us.
[00:09:17] We implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.
[00:09:22] As we do more in our communities, workplaces, and industries,
[00:09:27] we reflect the light of Christ and draw others closer to him.
[00:09:32] Brothers and sisters, remember that God has called each of us to be active participants in his work on earth.
[00:09:39] Whether it's through our families, businesses, or creative endeavors,
[00:09:44] we are called to do more.
[00:09:46] To shine his light and reflect his kingdom principles in every sphere of influence.
[00:09:53] Matthew 5 verses 14 through 16 challenges us to let our light shine before others.
[00:10:00] Not for our glory, but to the glory of our father in heaven.
[00:10:04] So this week, take a step toward doing more.
[00:10:08] Look for ways to serve, lead, and create change in the places God has positioned you.
[00:10:15] I thank you for spending time with me on today, and I look forward to our time together on tomorrow.
[00:10:21] Until then, God bless.
[00:10:29] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group
[00:10:36] to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
[00:10:41] If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone.
[00:10:46] You can find The Bible Speaks on Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and many more.
[00:10:55] Follow us on YouTube at The Bible Speaks Online.
[00:11:00] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478
[00:11:11] or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com