Your Influence Is Greater Than You Think

Summary

Our choices significantly influence the long-term well-being of others—much like U.S. decisions affect the world. Parents and mentors shape lives far more than individuals shape themselves. Jesus warned against leading believers astray, calling for humble, godly influence instead of prideful hypocrisy. Spiritual mentors help others grow by allowing God to transform their thinking, behavior, and love over time. With Scripture, the Spirit’s power, and obedience, we can impact generations for Christ.

Decisions That Shape Others

“For the French, and for most other people on this planet, U.S. elections are actually more decisive than our own in shaping our lives…. If there were any fairness in the world, we should all be able to vote in American elections.”¹ 

What U.S. elections are on the world stage is true in our relationships with others. Most of us relate to one or more people in such a way that our decisions are more important to their long-term well-being than their own decisions.

The Power of Parental Influence

The parent-child relationship is an example. Parents’ teaching and modeling shape their children—physically, emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, relationally, financially, and vocationally.

A Father’s Impact

My father decided that I should go to college. I went. He decided I should attend Sunday school and weekly worship services. I attended. He insisted I eat at least a little of all the different foods prepared for meals. I did.

He was a reducer when problems arose. He did not magnify molehills into mountains. Problems had molehill status until there was a good reason to think otherwise. I do the same.

He was calm and cool during adversity. So am I. He taught me how to drive defensively. I still do 60 years later. The list goes on and on. His decisions shaped my early life far more than my own. I imitated how he thought, felt, and acted.

Influence Through Spiritual Mentorship

Let us examine this truth through a spiritual lens. What is a spiritual mentor? It is someone who disciples you. Jesus warned those on the spiritual trip-others-up team. “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6 NIV). 

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to” (Matthew 23:13 NIV).

Avoiding Harmful Leadership

These religious leaders pretended to be strong and have it all together, serving as spiritual role models. But instead of being humble spiritual health builders and boosters, they were proud, self-absorbed human banana peels who sent others sprawling spiritually. That would cost them dearly. 

How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders

For us to be part of God’s spiritual booster team, He must progressively shape how we think, feel, and act. He renews our minds so we can see life as He does (Romans 12:2).

There is no pill for that. It takes time, the support of other believers, trust in Him, obedience, and ongoing spiritual commitment to the process.

Your Influence Is Greater Than You Think

The most effective spiritual influencers are Bible-saturated, Holy Spirit-empowered, love-motivated, obedience-directed, joy-drenched, faith-demonstrating, forgiveness-extending, and humble human beings. Your influence is greater than you think. You can be on that team by God’s grace! You can bless everyone your life touches, and, indirectly, all those whose lives they influence generation after generation. What is your takeaway?

See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.   #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources 

1.     Legrand, Thomas. “How they see us: America opts for democracy—barely.” THE WEEK, 25 NOV. 2022, p. 15.

God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,541 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,361 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.

Photo: Image Creator (microsoft.com)