“May God give endurance and encouragement . . as you follow Christ.” Romans 15:5 NIV.
Popularity does not replicate significance.
My thoughts and comments today are about “the power of influence.”
Influence is inevitable, subtly shaping what you believe, what you value, how you behave, and who you become. Through social mores, popular culture uses every means possible – entertainment, movies, music, sports, newspapers, magazines, television, celebrities, fashions, or the opinions of family and friends – to influence what you think, believe, desire, consider important or unimportant, and how you behave.
Lately, the fascination seems all about who or what is “trending,” as determined by the volume and rapidity of people’s interest in a particular topic, person, or activity. What or who is trending is as brief as the current culture’s attention span, and about as irrelevant. Popularity does not replicate significance. Is anyone besides me weary of trends and viral videos? Have we really become that shallow, bored, or easily amused?
The world tries to substitute power and authority for influence, employing demands, leverage, threats, intimidation, force, or fear. The surrounding culture imposes its influence by subtle or even blatant coercion for the benefit of a few, but usually to the detriment of others. Influence is defined as: “the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on, or produce effects on, the actions, behavior, or opinions, of others.” Imagine if your faith and life became a compelling force for the Gospel. Godly influence is a powerful thing, a privilege only to be used benevolently.
Jesus enjoyed extraordinary influence. After Jesus’ Resurrection, He was given all authority by the Father. See Matthew 28:18 NKJV. No wonder the disciples marveled that “even the winds and the waves obeyed Him.” Strong, independent men submitted to His authority, not by His command but at His invitation and their willing submission. In Jesus’ influence, I see three things: (1) experience that is trusted, (2) example that is benevolent, and (3) encouragement to others that is consistent. Jesus exercised influence benevolently and expects the same of every Christ-follower. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 NIV. Godly influence is to bless and benefit others, not for your own gain or advantage. The love of Jesus shining through your life can influence people spiritually – loving, lifting, and leading others, as Jesus would.
Relating to parenting and leadership, spiritual or otherwise, my Dad taught me a basic principle of influence. “Those who follow your example may exceed your liberties; so be wise in the liberties you permit yourself. And those who follow your example may come short of your disciplines; so require more of yourself than you will of them.” My Dad, a wise and practical man, understood the power of personal influence when exercised properly and the failure when exercised inappropriately or not at all. Godly influence is offered to others, never imposed upon them.
Paul’s words would be my prayer for you today; “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” Read Romans 15:5-6 NIV. Following Jesus closely is a key to vibrant spiritual influence.
Christian Communications 2016
I just received wonderful news from Pastor Lusi Arsov of Friends Church in Sofia, Bulgaria. Pastor Lusi and the team of translators continue to provide EveryDay Life in the Bulgarian language. In 2015, EDL reached 60,000 readers in 87 countries. Praise the Lord! Pastor Lusi has invited us to again minister at Friends Church later this year. I will tell you more about that soon . . Blessings.