Be Influential in Your World
Unleashing Your Kingdom Influence
In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, it's easy to lose sight of our true purpose and the impact we can have on those around us. But what if we could tap into a greater calling? What if we could be the catalyst for positive change in our communities, families, and workplaces?
The truth is, we are designed to be influential. Each of us has been shaped and formed, even in our mother's womb, to make a difference. We're not here by accident or merely to eke out an existence. We have been purposed with great vision so that we can be an influence for eternity's sake.
Consider this powerful statement from 2 Corinthians 9:11: "You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." Our lives are meant to overflow with generosity, creating ripples of gratitude that extend far beyond ourselves.
But here's the catch – if we don't recognize our influence, we won't exercise it. It's crucial that we make a careful exploration of who we are and the work we've been given. As Galatians 6:4 in the Message Bible puts it, we need to "sink ourselves into that" without getting caught up in comparing ourselves to others.
So, what does influence look like in practice? It boils down to three key elements:
1. Inspiration: The ability to communicate your passion to others. Be contagious! People need to catch what you have, especially if what you have is a transformative relationship with Jesus.
2. Integrity: Consistency between your words and actions. Without integrity, there can be no true influence. Trust is the foundation of all relationships, and integrity is what builds that trust.
3. Initiative: The ability to discern what needs to be done and then do it. Don't just think about reaching out to someone – actually do it. Those promptings might be divine nudges to influence someone towards kingdom life.
To truly unleash our kingdom influence, we need to focus on three areas:
1. Our People: Who are the individuals closest to you right now? These aren't accidental connections. God has placed them in your life so you can be an influence on them. Invest time in these relationships – an hour a week or even an hour a month can make a significant difference.
2. Our Place: This isn't just about geography; it's about the position or posture we have with people in our lives. Sometimes God gives us a unique ability to speak into someone's life in a way no one else can. Remember, wherever you are, Jesus is with you. Your presence can change atmospheres and climates simply because you bring the kingdom of God with you.
3. Our Passion: What moves you deeply? What causes stir your heart with compassion? Your passion is likely tied to the things you're most compassionate about. As Ephesians 4 reminds us, each of us has been given special gifts to build up the body of Christ. Your passion isn't meant to be compared to others – it's meant to be unleashed for the kingdom's sake.
Consider the story of the man in Mark 5 who was living in the tombs, possessed by demons. When Jesus set him free, the man wanted to follow Him. But Jesus had a different plan: "Go home to your family and to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you." Jesus knew that this man's greatest influence would be among those who had seen him at his worst. They would be the ones most impacted by his transformation.
This story challenges us to look at our own lives. Who are the people that have seen us struggle? Who are the ones that know our flaws and failures? These might be the very individuals God is calling us to influence with our testimony of His grace and mercy.
As we step into our calling to be influential, we must also cultivate discernment. There's soulical discernment – the ability to read emotions and situations – but there's also spiritual discernment. This comes from walking closely with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to give us insight into the spiritual needs of those around us.
Remember, you are the tangible and visible expression of an invisible kingdom. Your life, your words, your actions – they all matter. They all have the potential to bring the reality of God's kingdom into the everyday moments of life.
So, what's holding you back from embracing your influence? Perhaps you've been vaccinated against the idea of making a difference. Maybe past experiences or self-doubt have inoculated you against believing you could truly impact others for good. It's time to break free from those limitations.
Your influence might not look like someone else's, and that's okay. The body of Christ is made up of many parts, each with its own special work. Your passion might be for children in need, for the homeless, for struggling mothers, or for something entirely different. The key is to tap into that God-given passion and let it fuel your influence.
As you go about your week, consider these questions:
- Who are you influencing right now?
- What does influence look like in your life?
- What are you truly passionate about?
- How can you be more intentional about exercising your kingdom influence?
Don't underestimate the power of your presence, your words, and your actions. You have been called and equipped to be influential in your world. It's time to step into that calling with confidence, compassion, and courage. The kingdom of God is like leaven – a little bit can influence everything it touches. You are that leaven. Go forth and influence your world for good.
In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, it's easy to lose sight of our true purpose and the impact we can have on those around us. But what if we could tap into a greater calling? What if we could be the catalyst for positive change in our communities, families, and workplaces?
The truth is, we are designed to be influential. Each of us has been shaped and formed, even in our mother's womb, to make a difference. We're not here by accident or merely to eke out an existence. We have been purposed with great vision so that we can be an influence for eternity's sake.
Consider this powerful statement from 2 Corinthians 9:11: "You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." Our lives are meant to overflow with generosity, creating ripples of gratitude that extend far beyond ourselves.
But here's the catch – if we don't recognize our influence, we won't exercise it. It's crucial that we make a careful exploration of who we are and the work we've been given. As Galatians 6:4 in the Message Bible puts it, we need to "sink ourselves into that" without getting caught up in comparing ourselves to others.
So, what does influence look like in practice? It boils down to three key elements:
1. Inspiration: The ability to communicate your passion to others. Be contagious! People need to catch what you have, especially if what you have is a transformative relationship with Jesus.
2. Integrity: Consistency between your words and actions. Without integrity, there can be no true influence. Trust is the foundation of all relationships, and integrity is what builds that trust.
3. Initiative: The ability to discern what needs to be done and then do it. Don't just think about reaching out to someone – actually do it. Those promptings might be divine nudges to influence someone towards kingdom life.
To truly unleash our kingdom influence, we need to focus on three areas:
1. Our People: Who are the individuals closest to you right now? These aren't accidental connections. God has placed them in your life so you can be an influence on them. Invest time in these relationships – an hour a week or even an hour a month can make a significant difference.
2. Our Place: This isn't just about geography; it's about the position or posture we have with people in our lives. Sometimes God gives us a unique ability to speak into someone's life in a way no one else can. Remember, wherever you are, Jesus is with you. Your presence can change atmospheres and climates simply because you bring the kingdom of God with you.
3. Our Passion: What moves you deeply? What causes stir your heart with compassion? Your passion is likely tied to the things you're most compassionate about. As Ephesians 4 reminds us, each of us has been given special gifts to build up the body of Christ. Your passion isn't meant to be compared to others – it's meant to be unleashed for the kingdom's sake.
Consider the story of the man in Mark 5 who was living in the tombs, possessed by demons. When Jesus set him free, the man wanted to follow Him. But Jesus had a different plan: "Go home to your family and to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you." Jesus knew that this man's greatest influence would be among those who had seen him at his worst. They would be the ones most impacted by his transformation.
This story challenges us to look at our own lives. Who are the people that have seen us struggle? Who are the ones that know our flaws and failures? These might be the very individuals God is calling us to influence with our testimony of His grace and mercy.
As we step into our calling to be influential, we must also cultivate discernment. There's soulical discernment – the ability to read emotions and situations – but there's also spiritual discernment. This comes from walking closely with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to give us insight into the spiritual needs of those around us.
Remember, you are the tangible and visible expression of an invisible kingdom. Your life, your words, your actions – they all matter. They all have the potential to bring the reality of God's kingdom into the everyday moments of life.
So, what's holding you back from embracing your influence? Perhaps you've been vaccinated against the idea of making a difference. Maybe past experiences or self-doubt have inoculated you against believing you could truly impact others for good. It's time to break free from those limitations.
Your influence might not look like someone else's, and that's okay. The body of Christ is made up of many parts, each with its own special work. Your passion might be for children in need, for the homeless, for struggling mothers, or for something entirely different. The key is to tap into that God-given passion and let it fuel your influence.
As you go about your week, consider these questions:
- Who are you influencing right now?
- What does influence look like in your life?
- What are you truly passionate about?
- How can you be more intentional about exercising your kingdom influence?
Don't underestimate the power of your presence, your words, and your actions. You have been called and equipped to be influential in your world. It's time to step into that calling with confidence, compassion, and courage. The kingdom of God is like leaven – a little bit can influence everything it touches. You are that leaven. Go forth and influence your world for good.
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