You are an Influencer!

The explosion of our use of social media has brought us a new ‘occupation.’  A person can now become an ‘influencer.’  In the old days we called them ‘sales professionals’, I think. In case you do not know, an influencer is a person who enjoyed a large following on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. She produces media designed to influence’ her audience's purchasing decisions, promoting products and services, basing content around her own experience with the product that is featured.

This relatively new method of marketing is not actually all that new. What has changed is the reach of an individual through social media. The Avon lady of the past who ‘influenced’ her neighborhood and family is now replaced by the person whose skill gathers the attention of thousands from far and wide.

So, are you an influencer? You may not think so, but all are. Our lives are interconnected with others; our words and values affect others. What kind of influence are YOU?

My Christian friend, Jesus calls us to become people who change our world! When we trust Him and embrace the call to ‘come and follow Me’ that He gives to us, like it or not, we become His representatives in this world.

Here is how He describes our lives - “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  - Jesus (Matthew 5)

In decades of Christian ministry, I have been part of the process of hundreds of people coming to faith in the Living Lord. A few have done so because of something they read or because of a television program. A few more have been drawn to a local church and, hearing the good news of Jesus’ love, respond in faith. Most, however, are led by a friend, often influenced first, not by words, but by the love, peace, and/or purpose they observe in the life of another.

When we who claim to follow Jesus live markedly different lives, we WILL invariably influence our circle of friends.
When we are loving and care for even those who are hard to love, our actions are notable.
When we find a greater reason to live than wealth or pleasure, satisfied by knowing Christ, the contrast will be inescapable.
When we are humble, refusing to boast about ourselves and our accomplishments, always giving thanks, the difference from the culture around us cannot be ignored.

When I think of the responsibility of representing Jesus in my world, it can feel overwhelming. I know my own failures and sins. I know my tendency to wander from the Way. How about you?

Pray that the Spirit of God Who lives in you through faith to change you inside out.  Trust His grace. Invite His Presence to flow into you, like a river, and then from you as a refreshing stream.

I am greatly encouraged by the words of Paul. He reminds us that we are God’s own and that the ‘influence’ we bring to our world is NOT the result of our own charisma, attractiveness, or intellect.  Think deeply on these words then pray to bring real, lasting positive change to those in your circle.

 “Thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.
And who is equal to such a task? (the implied answer, none of us on our own, but all of us through the Spirit) Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” 
(2 Corinthians 2)

Be the salt that flavors and preserves.
Be the light that brings the color and beauty to the dark world.
Be the fragrance of Jesus to others.

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Danger lurks in your success

We love winners, don’t we? Those ‘rags to riches’ stories inspire us. When the ‘ordinary’ kid we knew from our town goes pro in his sport we all feel a little pride. Sometimes we describe a person who has reached high office or gained great wealth without the benefit of a pedigree, private school, or powerful connections as a ‘self-made man.’ 

It is appropriate to recognize that accomplishment in that person who works hard, endures the difficult times, and works on skills that carry her to the pinnacle of success– But  we also need to know that nobody is a self-made person! There are always people in the background – parents who sacrificed to make an education possible, a friend who provided just the right encouragement at a critical moment, a spouse who shared the tough times, and God who blesses.

There is a real potential for danger when success comes our way. The Proverb says “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:17)  Jesus told a story of a man met with success, whose crops were bountiful. Instead of thanksgiving, the man concluded that it was time to reward himself – “Take life easy. Eat, drink, and merry!”  He forgot charity, humility, and gratitude!

How do you handle success?

Success can bring more spiritual hazard our way than disappointment or failure! It is true! . When we are knocked down, beat up or broken we are much more likely to reach for help, to know our need and readily accept counsel. But, when we are winning, the temptation is to congratulate ourselves for our brilliance and to become proud.

The wise person understands that his success, in whatever field it may be, calls for humility. Another Proverb reminds us -"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2, NIV)  Success can fill us with entitlement; “I am so grand, everyone owes me.”  That grandiosity has destroyed many, sabotaging them at the height of their success.

Consider these examples-

*A person builds a great company and begins to think he is above needed the counsel of others and it comes crashing down.
*A politician reaches the office he has desired for decades and is brought down by corruption because he thinks he ‘deserves’ the perks offered to him.
*A Christian seeks the Lord, walks faithfully with him, and is blessed with prosperity which becomes a means of buying more pleasure and abandoning service of the very God who blessed him!

Success can be a real blessing if we remember our Source!

Those who understand the truth that God loves to give good gifts to His children and that with those gifts comes greater responsibility and accountability keep their balance in life. They remember the principle that we are blessed to be a blessing.

Have you enjoyed the rich blessings of the Lord?
Then, thank Him!
There is no need to hide your success.
But remember, it is not about you.

Take this Word with you today. It is the inspired counsel of God.
“Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.”  (1 Timothy 6)

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