In a world saturated with social media, the term “influencer” is often reserved for those with thousands of followers, shaping trends, opinions, and behaviors with a single post. However, the concept of influence goes far beyond Instagram or Twitter. As Christians, we are reminded in Romans 14:7 that “none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.” This verse reveals a profound truth: every one of us, regardless of our social media presence, is an influencer in the lives of those around us.
[bctt tweet=”Every one of us, regardless of our social media presence, is an influencer.” username=”edkendrick”]
The Biblical Foundation of Influence
Romans 14:7 captures the essence of our interconnectedness. It teaches that our lives are not lived in isolation. Every decision we make, every action we take, every word we speak, impacts others. Whether we realize it or not, our lives are woven into the fabric of the community around us. This interconnectedness means that our influence is constant and far-reaching.
When Paul wrote these words, he wasn’t thinking about Instagram likes or YouTube subscribers. He was reflecting on the reality that our lives, whether in life or in death, carry weight. We are part of a greater body—the body of Christ—and our actions have consequences for that body.
The Ripple Effect of Influence
Consider the ripple effect that occurs when you drop a stone into a pond. The initial splash is small, but the ripples extend outward, touching every part of the water’s surface. Our influence works the same way. Even the smallest action can create ripples that extend far beyond what we can see or imagine.
This is why our daily walk matters. The kindness we show to a stranger, the integrity we maintain in our work, the love we extend to our family and friends—these are all acts of influence. They shape the world around us, often in ways we may never fully understand.
Influence in Life and Death
Paul’s inclusion of both life and death in Romans 14:7 highlights that our influence doesn’t end with our last breath. The legacy we leave behind—the memories, the lessons, the love—continues to influence others long after we are gone. Think about the impact of those who have gone before us. Their faith, perseverance, and commitment to Christ continue to inspire and guide us today.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that point others to Him. Our influence should be a reflection of His love, grace, and truth. Whether we are aware of it or not, others are watching, learning, and being shaped by our example.
[bctt tweet=”As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that point others to Him.” username=”edkendrick”]
Embracing Our Role as Influencers
Understanding that we are all influencers should encourage us to be intentional in how we live. We don’t need a massive platform to make a difference. We just need to be faithful in the small things, trusting that God will use our lives to influence others for His glory.
As you go about your day, remember Romans 14:7. You are not living for yourself alone. Your life is a testimony that can either draw others closer to God or push them away. Embrace your role as an influencer, and strive to live in a way that honors God and blesses those around you.
In a world obsessed with gaining followers and likes, let us be more concerned with how our lives influence others for the kingdom of God. For it is not the size of our audience that matters, but the faithfulness of our witness.
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