We all have a circle of influence. For some of us that circle is broad, while for others it is small and restrictive. All have an opportunity to influence those who are in this circle, and potentially many who are presently on the outside.
Yet, is it possible that we are intentionally keeping our circles small when we really need to be expanding them to create more space for others to step inside?
It is staggering when I think of the power we have to influence those that we come into contact with on a daily basis. These include people we may be in close relationship with, casual acquaintances, those we know through social media, or those that we don’t really know but see all of the time. Even if we have only a few words with an individual, but those few words are on a consistent basis, then we have an opportunity to speak words of life. Those words of life, spoken with discernment and wisdom have the potential to change the direction that their life is taking. That is power and that is influence.
When Jesus spoke, people listened. They did not always like what He said, but His words got their attention. They may have had questions about Him, but they also knew that the only way they could fully understand was to follow Jesus and see where He was going.
Jesus was a great influence wherever He went. He spoke truth and made room for people to join Him. He even influenced those that disagreed with Him. In their opposition they were being forced to take a close look at His life and their own.
It is clear that Jesus set the model for us to follow. His model was one of servanthood and leadership. If we want to have an influence that is life transforming then we must first speak truth, and then invite others in so that they can experience that truth personally. They need to look at us and see that what we are professing with our mouth is displayed with openness and clarity.
Our lives set the stage for encounters that draw upon God’s command to love Him first and then love others as we love ourselves. This is how we build a strong foundation of influence wherever our life takes us.
Matthew 5:13-16 CSB “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”