Called to be Influencers
We hear that a lot these days. Influencers. And it’s forever true. We are in the business of influencing. It starts in our homes, our jobs, our casual friendships, our social media posts, the groups we are a part of and on and on. And influencing goes two ways – either positively or negatively.
I could never get a great toss, but my grandsons aced the challenge of tossing a rock or pebble across a body of water. They were delighted with the resulting ripples. And I think if ripples spread when a rock is thrown into the water, how do the words we say and the things we do affect the people around us? And then, how do those people affect the people around them?
I laughed when I saw this comment on my FB timeline yesterday morning: “You are too beautiful to be called a wife; too sexy to be left behind. I guess you are the second woman God created after Eve. You have an interesting profile, and it really caught my heart. Please send me a friend request if you don’t mind. Thanks.”
I quickly deleted it, but it had a ripple effect as I shared it with my children and my grands in my early morning text message, I send them each day. “Thought you would appreciate that I’m the second woman created after Eve! LOL! And Papa really messed up because I’m too sexy to be left behind! Lord, have mercy! I sure do love you all so much!”
The 5th grandchild responded: “WHATBHAHAHA, Nana! The hot stuff on Facebook!” LOL!
In this blog, I’d more like to think about those unkind or negative things we might say to someone, and they feel badly and then they might be unkind and negative, too. The unkindness and negativity spreads. We want to spread good things that honor God rather than bad things that don’t.
Remember the story of Daniel and the lions’ den (Daniel 6)? Although Daniel lived in a godless culture, he impacted nations, kings, wise men, and his friends by living a life that pleased the Lord. His ripples of influence expanded exponentially, leading to an impact he never could have predicted — one that extends to my family and yours almost 3,000 years later.
Conversely, when we reflect God’s character through the gifts and opportunities He gives us, we’re like rocks tossed into a pond, producing ripple effects that inspire those in our sphere of influence and beyond to think and act differently.
We don’t have to be famous, rich, or successful. We don’t need an impressive degree or lots of followers on social media. A specific age, nationality, social status, or personality is not a requirement. We have the power to positively influence others.
I believe within the heart of everyone is the desire to be influential. We can engage our God-given opportunities for positive influence. I believe we have the unparalleled opportunity to influence this generation and those to come.
God uses ordinary people like you and me to star in extraordinary “God stories” — real-life narratives of purpose and influence. Although we’re all imperfect and inconsistent, we can still be influential because of God’s grace and power in and through us. As Jesus said: “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Lord, please help us accomplish extraordinary things for you. You were and are an influencer. Just look at the world you created and the many of us who continue to have a ripple effect on your children! Please continue to give us the courage to speak into people’s lives and make an eternal impact! Through Christ our Lord, we pray! Amen!