Be influencers for Jesus

I recently hung out with my college-age daughter and her friends. They got me thinking about influencers while we were chatting about social media, probably because two of the girls are marketing majors and another works for her dad’s marketing business. 

They referenced some “influencers” they knew and jokingly called me an influencer. 

But I started thinking: aren’t we all influencers with different platforms and audiences? Maybe our audience is our kids. Or our friends. Or classmates. Or lots of followers on Instagram. Or maybe an actual auditorium. Regardless, we are all influencing someone.

I remember my late father-in-law saying that if we didn’t teach and train our children, someone else would. Same idea. Everyone is being influenced by someone and influencing others. The important thing is to be selective about who you listen to. The world is so loud. Social media can be chaotic. Families can be complicated. And relationships have so many layers. 

Truthfully, God calls Christians to be “influencers” for Jesus — and has done so long before social media was trending. Here is how we can use our influence for good.

1. Be the light.

Matthew 5:14-16 says believers should shine like a light in the darkness so others see God’s goodness through their lives.

2. Be salty.

Also in Matthew 5:13, Jesus says His followers bring flavor and preservation to the world. Salt changes whatever it touches. So do faithful believers.

3. Make disciples.

In the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus calls us to go and “make disciples.” Influence by helping others know Jesus – not forcing, but inviting, teaching, and walking with them. Influence in God’s Kingdom happens mostly through relationships, not microphones. We influence by sharing life with people, praying for them, asking real questions, sharing our faith naturally, and coming alongside others.

Influence, better known as “discipleship” in the church, is slow, personal, and powerful.

4. Live a life of Jesus’ love.

John 13:34-35 says people will know we belong to Jesus by our love – not by our arguments, our clever comments, or even our theological knowledge. When we forgive quickly, give generously, listen well, and serve joyfully, people take notice. Love speaks volumes in a noisy world.

5. Be an example worth following.

Paul writes, “Follow me as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). People are watching us when we endure hardship with hope, choose honesty over convenience, and make decisions that honor God. This is sanctification, and this is becoming a living example of Jesus to the world.

6. Use gifts for God’s glory.

First Peter 4:10-11 says believers should use their unique gifts to serve. Point to Jesus and influence by using your talents – teaching, encouraging, writing, sharing, creating, and leading.

7. speak grace.

Colossians 4:5-6 encourages believers to speak with wisdom and grace. It’s not always easy & natural, but we can influence others with our words online and in person by being thoughtful, gentle, and truth-filled.

As you can see from this small example, the Bible calls Jesus’ followers to influence the world not through popularity, but through authentic connections, truth in love, and a life that resembles Christ alone. Influence isn’t about followers; it’s about faithfulness. And I’m thankful to see that among my girl and her friends. 

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