Growing up, many of us wanted to be doctors, lawyers, accountants and (very rarely) teachers. As times have changed, it's not surprising to hear children and youth say they want to be ‘influencers’ when they grow up.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines an influencer as ‘one who exerts influence; a person who inspires or guides the actions of others.’ More specifically ‘a person who is able to generate interest in something- mostly consumer products- by posting about it on social media.’
The number of followers, likes, views, comments and engagement on our posts define how fruitful our influencing efforts are. Hacks, tools, tips and courses have been developed to help us grow our following and increase our influence.
The Holy Spirit has been talking to me about a different kind of influence- the type that moves beyond generating interest in consumables into inspiring and guiding the action of others. Influence that is a capacity to cause an effect indirectly or in intangible ways, without exerting force.
The Believer’s Influence.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that time has definitely accelerated. In the blink of an eye, we’re now approaching the end of 2023.
The sobering reality is that Jesus is coming back sooner than many of us know or are prepared. A quick study of the dispensations of the Bible reveals to us that the Ages don’t last forever, and the Dispensation of Grace is quickly winding up.
We're witnessing things in the world progressively get worse, as everything that can be shaken gets shaken.
In all that is going on, there’s still a group of people who’ve never heard about the saving grace of Jesus.
There are many people out there living confused and in unnecessary turmoil.
There’s a rebellious bunch of Christians who think nothing about living in mixture and sin- and the consequences of their actions.
There’s another group of ‘others’ over here, those described by Jesus in John 10:16 (NIV)
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
These ‘others’ are our children, siblings, spouses, relatives, loved ones, colleagues, friends, who are in danger of the place of torment as described in the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16: 19 -31; with an emphasis on verses 27:
He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
Every believer must step in and take their place as the influencers who will go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation, as mandated in Mark 16:15.
One of my earnest prayers is that my life will speak as a living witness and testimony. In the words of 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NIV, may I be a letter from Christ, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
How can you be an influencer today? Continue to:
stand in the gap and intercede for your loved ones
decree that you, your children, your family and your bloodline will serve the Lord
minister to the poor, lonely, weak and hurting
use your platform to share the Gospel
love your neighbour as you love yourself, and
occupy until Jesus comes (Luke 19:13)
As we carry on with our business, may we be empowered to influence the culture and community for the Kingdom. In whichever capacity we may be- as a parent, teacher, wife, husband, entrepreneur, career person- may the Holy Spirit direct and guide us to win souls for Jesus.
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