Influence

Influence. Influencer. Social Media Influencer. Global Influencer. Instagram Influencer. We hear the word influencer thrown around everywhere. A podcast I came across this week led me into a deep dive about influence.

Influence - the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

Influencers aren’t just known; they have the ability to impact others actions or behaviors. Our personal faith journey can lead us to a point of influence. Even more so church leadership will birth a level of influence amongst leaders that rise up from within the church. If you are leading in any capacity within the church, I encourage you to uptick the time you spend alone with God, listening to guidance of the Holy Spirit because influence gained through leadership roles can bear bad fruit. But as Matthew 7:18 tells us, “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit”. We must be proactive in remaining a good tree so the enemy does not use our leadership positions to create negative influence.

Consistency and authenticity are incredibly important when it comes to positively influencing life change in those around us. With influence can come an urge to become someone we are not, or to react based on how someone may perceive our message instead of simply allowing God to work through us. Equally, remaining consistent to those around us and steadfast in our faith is of upmost importance. We need not let our influence impact our commitment to remain authentic and consistent.

My wife and I have had the honor of leading a life group for the last few months giving us an opportunity to be encouraged by others as well as pouring into the lives of several members of our church and we are beginning to see some incredible life changes occur. We have had the joy of watching one couple that recently moved here temporarily for work grow and connect with others. They recently welcomed another beautiful baby girl into their family and watching them grow has been a highlight of this ministry for me. With their permission I will share with you that this week one of them spoke about taking a step of faith and starting a life group of their own when they move back home to cultivate a sense of community there like they have seen here. Hearing how the group impacted them brought so much joy to my heart. This is where christian influence differs from worldly influence. The joy was found in seeing the smile on her face and the sincerity with which she spoke. The joy was found in the positive changes that occurred in their life. It had nothing to do with me or my wife or anything we had done. We simply open the door and invite God to move within us and every member of our group. The influence we have as Christians isn’t our influence, it’s provided through us by Him.

A few months ago, I began praying intently “God use me”. Be cautious though, do not pray for God to open doors and begin to use you in new ways unless you are ready for it to happen. Almost immediately doors of opportunity started opening everywhere and numerous people have reached out to me in various ways to inquire about my faith. Individuals I have not spoken with in years began reaching out. I don’t say any of this to pat myself on the back, but to offer a cautionary tale. As this influence widens and the responsibility to God increases, there becomes more reason for the enemy to attack the ministry in which you are building through your faith.

Recently, I had an overwhelming desire to run. To slowly step back from the roles I was in and prepare others to take over areas I was leading, in effect giving myself an “exit strategy”. Thankfully the Lord gave me enough wisdom to share these thoughts with others that could pray alongside me and hold me accountable to the work God has planned for me. Don’t underestimate the power of the enemy to attack your heavenly influence.

Another distinguishing aspect of heavenly influence from worldly influence is the desire to see those around us rise up into influence as well. One of the greatest attributes of a successful leader is their ability to bring up leaders around them. Don’t just encourage others to be the best version of themselves, encourage them also to influence others in a positive way. Just as God has equipped you to do far more than you thought you were capable of, in turn, help others to realize God has equipped them to rise up into positions of influence as well.

Jesus was the ultimate influencer. As he lived a life so different from those around him that it raised questions everywhere he went. Those that traveled with him and “did life” with him on a daily basis birthed the beginning of the church as we know it. His influence changed the lives of so many around him everywhere he went. In turn the early church’s influence was found in the display of the lives they lead in pursuit of God.

My challenge to you today and this week is this: Pray that God will open doors of influence in your life. Even if we don’t feel we are capable, we are if we allow God to work through us. He will equip us in the moment to advance His Kingdom for he is good. He is so, so good.

“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” (Titus 2:7 NLT)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NLT)