Influence is a powerful thing—often more powerful than we realize.
As a leader, I have the ability to point at something and people will look. I had used influence—without force, without commands—simply by existing in a position of leadership.
Influence doesn’t require control, authority, or even intention. It just happens.
So the real question isn’t whether we have influence.
The question is: what kind of influence are we becoming?
What Is Influence?
John Maxwell famously said, “Leadership is influence.”
Theologian W. M. Taylor described it this way: “Influence is the exhalation of character.”
In other words, influence flows naturally out of who we are.
Everyone has character. Some people are honest; others are deceitful. Some are dependable; others are unreliable. Some work hard; others cut corners. And whether we like it or not, our character is shaping the people around us—for good or for harm.
Scripture warns us plainly:
“Bad company corrupts good character.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33
But the opposite is also true. Good character influences good character. We rub off on one another.
And let’s be honest—the world right now is desperate for people of godly character. If followers of Jesus aren’t influencing culture with the ways of Christ, the culture will gladly fill that void itself.
Complaining won’t change the world. Elections won’t fix it. Court rulings won’t redeem hearts. Legislation can’t produce holiness.
Real change happens when followers of Jesus influence people toward Jesus—one life at a time.
“I’m Not Influential”… Or Are You?
A common response is, “I’m not a leader. I don’t have influence.”
That simply isn’t true.
Everyone leaves a legacy. You influence children, nieces and nephews, coworkers, teammates, neighbors, friends—sometimes without even knowing it. Someone is watching how you live.
Influence doesn’t mean manipulation or control. God doesn’t force us into obedience. He sets the example in Jesus and invites us into life with Him. Kingdom influence is about inspiration, modeling, and faithfulness—not coercion.
Parents understand this instinctively. You can control your kids when you’re in the room, but what happens when you aren’t there? If influence hasn’t taken root, control disappears.
The same is true for employers, teachers, coaches, and leaders of every kind. Control might create compliance for a moment—but only influence shapes hearts when no one is watching.
Salt, Light, and Responsibility
Jesus made our calling unmistakably clear:
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
— Matthew 5:13–16
Salt preserves. Light reveals. Both influence their environment simply by being present.
If we claim to follow Jesus but fail to influence the world toward Him, we’ve missed our calling.
Paul: A Man of Influence
In Galatians 1, we see the apostle Paul as a powerful example of godly influence:
“They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they praised God because of me.”
— Galatians 1:23–24
That last line matters: “They praised God because of me.”
Paul’s life pointed so clearly to Jesus that God received the glory.
How did Paul become that kind of person? Galatians 1 gives us three guiding principles.
1. Be a God-Pleaser, Not a People-Pleaser
Paul writes:
“If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
— Galatians 1:10
This is harder than it sounds.
We all want to be liked. We want approval from spouses, bosses, friends, church people—even strangers. But God is the only one who clearly tells us what He wants and gives us the power to live it out.
You can’t serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Eventually, one voice will win.
Here’s the reality: who you aim to please will determine the depth and kind of influence you have.
If you live to please people, your influence will always be limited.
If you live to please God, your influence becomes God-sized.
2. Let God Set the Mission for Your Life
Paul makes it clear that his mission didn’t come from people—it came from Jesus:
“I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.”
— Galatians 1:12
Your life mission isn’t something you invent. It isn’t assigned by parents, pastors, spouses, or culture. Only God sets that mission.
That doesn’t mean others can’t help confirm it. In fact, God often uses mature believers to affirm what He’s already doing.
There are also two important tests:
- God’s mission will never contradict Scripture.
- God’s mission will be affirmed by godly leaders over time.
Paul knew exactly why he existed:
“God… was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles.”
— Galatians 1:15–16
Distractions are everywhere. Hobbies, careers, ambitions—even good things—can quietly replace God’s mission if we aren’t careful.
God’s mission must remain first.
3. Stick With It for the Long Haul
Influence takes time.
Paul didn’t receive full recognition overnight. It took fourteen years of faithful ministry before the church fully affirmed his calling.
Credibility is built slowly. Trust is earned through consistency. There are no shortcuts.
I’ve learned this personally. My own calling unfolded through failure, waiting, training, humility, and time. I wasn’t ready when I wanted the microphone—but God was faithful to shape me before placing me.
If you approach God’s mission casually, the result will be shallow.
If you commit for the long haul, God will produce something enduring.
So What Kind of Influence Are You Becoming?
Like it or not, you are a role model to someone.
The real question is whether people will one day be able to say what they said about Paul:
“They praised God because of me.”
If that’s the influence you want to have:
- Be a God-pleaser, not a people-pleaser
- Let God define your mission
- Commit to it for the long haul
That’s how ordinary people become people of eternal influence.
And if any of this stirred something in you—questions about faith, purpose, or next steps—don’t ignore it. God may be inviting you into something deeper.
Sometimes influence begins simply by saying yes.
Listen to the sermon “Being a Person of Influence” I preached at CenterPoint Church 6/8/2025
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