Adair First Baptist Church

Most Christians admit that the influence of the church (as well as their own influence) is waning. The typical lament goes a little like this: “What is wrong with this world? It seems like no one cares about God anymore!” Although the lament does shed light on a real problem, it seems that statements like this are not helpful and may even be harmful. “How can I seriously influence my family and friends for the glory of God?” is a much better question. It is better because it recognizes your position in other’s lives, is a statement of power rather than futility, and is a call to action.

God has sovereignly placed you in a family, job, church, or neighborhood to be a person of influence. Some will say, “I don’t want to influence people. I just want to quietly live my life and mind my own business.” I am sorry but that is not how life works. If you believe in the Lordship of God then you are admitting that He is a sovereign King and you are a loyal subject. He has surrounded you with people who are also His subjects but many have not yet admitted that He is Lord. Years ago at a youth conference the speaker called youth to faith in Christ by challenging, “If Jesus isn’t Lord of all He isn’t Lord at all!” Although I understand the thinking behind this statement, it grossly understates the majesty of our King. He is King whether or not you admit, or submit to that fact. So, since He is King, you have been strategically assigned to your church. You are responsible for your family members and friends. You are God’s ambassador to your world.

As God’s ambassador you have an enormous amount of power over the people you influence. Don’t lie to yourself any longer. Your efforts are not futile. You can and must impact your world for God’s glory. In order to become an influencer rather than just being influenced you need to understand how influence works. First, influence is earned. Some will allow you to shape and mold them merely because of a title. If someone calls you mom, dad, boss or pastor you have a unique opportunity to develop that individual. But few will allow you to exert influence only because of a tile and even those few will tire of your meddling if you do not earn the right to be intimately involved in their lives. If you are consist, determined, and display pure motives you will likely earn the right to give others advice, challenge their misconceptions and expect them to significantly grow.

Second, influence flows downhill. Those you influence will take their relationship with Jesus less seriously than you do. If you don’t take your relationship with Jesus very seriously you are at the bottom of the hill and you will either poorly influence others or you will not be prepared to fulfill your Lord’s call. Again you might attempt to say, “Do I really have to influence people? Why can’t I just stay quiet and fly under the radar?” You may not like it but people are taking their cues from you. They compare their spiritual walk to yours. They compare their worth in this world to yours. You can either be an excuse or an example; it is your choice. Growing in Christ takes hard work but it is worth the effort. Climb the hill! I have learned that the best way to help people grow in Christ is to commit to your own growth. If you are climbing the mountain someone will join you in the climb and the view at the top is always better when it is shared with a loved one.

Third, influence must be nurtured. Influence is not static or constant. Instead it is in constant need of maintenance. Years ago I served in youth ministry and was an influential person in many teenagers’ lives. I was often approached with questions about career choices, marriage, finances, and family issues. The same students that looked to me for advice at pivotal times in life do not ask for advice today. Why? What changed? My influence was not nurtured. They moved out of my sphere of influence or I moved out of their world. Life moved on and the precious moments I had to impact their lives came to an end. It is awesome and humbling to think that I impacted and changed lives for the better. You too can experience that joy.

Dedicate your life to the reckless pursuit of Christ and influence your world. It is extraordinarily satisfying to look back over the years seeing people who are stronger, more dedicated, and passionately in love with Christ simply because you decided to influence their lives. Isn’t it amazing that God uses common people like you and me to shape others into beautiful masterpieces for His glory!

In Christ,

Dan Lewis

Pastor, Adair FBC