Influencers

Scripture:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.Romans 12:2

The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Proverbs 12:26 NIV

 Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” Proverbs 13:30 MSG

Reflection:

My daughter started a new pod cast for teen girls a few weeks ago. Her desire is to influence teen girls for Christ. Her podcast “Makeupyourmind”  (https://campsite.bio/makeupyourmind), is geared to influence girls to make Christ the center of their lives and for Christ to be the source of all of their life choices. I love that she wants to influence others to open their hearts to their creator and savior! The past few years we have seen an uptick of influence marketing via social media. This  involves endorsements and product placement from influential people who have a purported expert level of knowledge or social standing. 

Trying to influence others has been going on since the very beginning. Influence can be for good, or it can be for evil. The serpent said to Eve, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” He manipulated Eve to do something she knew was against God’s words to her, and she then did the same with her husband Adam.

Influencing others does not need to be only for evil. We are all influencers in one way or another, yet it is vitally important who we allow to speak into our lives. I had a friend ask me a series of questions that I want to also ask you.

Who challenges your faith when it falters? Who points you back onto the straight and narrow when you wander? Who will not allow you to drop your guard when tempted?

Who is it that encourages you when your hope is dwindling? Who of those that are in your circle has a ready Scripture for you when you need direction? Who has proven they see the best in you and have your success in mind? 

If you can think of a few names, then you are probably in a good place. If you have trouble coming up with names, maybe it’s time to seek out or renew some friendships that can speak those words of encouragement into you life. Remember, it’s better to walk with the righteous in the light, than be chased by a night-watchman in the dark! 

God Bless you!

David

Prayer: Lord, I desire to both be an influencer for Christ in the lives of others and to be influenced by Godly friends. Help me know when to speak to a friend and when to listen. May I be led by your Spirit in my relationships, being the salt and light to those around me. 

mBridge Giving Challenge:  We have a new partner in Sea Partners. They are working in South Sudan, a country ravaged by civil war. Sea Partners has a project called “Farming for Peace” where they are re-establishing larger farms that can be part of the infrastructure of a functioning economy as today, most farms are subsistence farming for families. Sea Partners is purchasing water well drilling attachment to use on the 19 – 80hp farming tractors that were donated by the United Nations. $20,000 is needed. Go to mBridge.global/give to donate to this project. Thank you!