The word influencer is talked about a lot in today’s society. According to Google, an influencer is someone who has the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others because of their authority, knowledge, position or relationship with their audience. They have a distinct niche, with whom they actively engage. The size of the following depends on the size of their topic niche.

Influencers have the ability to captivate their audience. This distinct skill draws the audience in to receive whatever information the influencer is delivering to the point the audience acts on the information received.

There are many types of influencers, but I want to focus on biblical influencers. I’m not just talking about those who post biblical content on social media. But examples of those whose lives influence for purposes of grace and demonstrating Christ characteristics.

Let’s start with John the Baptist. He had a specific niche. In Matthew 3:2 John the Baptist told God’s people to, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 

John the Baptist modeled influencer well. He went to Jerusalem, all of Judea, and to the whole region of the Jordan telling people of Israel to repent and prepare the way for Jesus(Matthew 3:2-5). His niche of people acted on the information he provided, “and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins” (Matthew 3:6).

The book of Esther speaks of a man name Mordecai. Mordecai was a vigilant servant who was content to do his job well (Esther 2:19). A Jew who wouldn't bow down to the enemies of God's people(Esther 3:5) and a God-fearing man who called his niece to stand up and fulfill her role in God's plan(Esther 41-17).

Influencers often provide information by way of examples.  Mordecai did just that. Here are a few influential lessons from Mordecai's life:

1. He was compassionate about the needs of others: Mordecai stood up to take care of his cousin after she became orphaned. He became a father, guardian, and counsel to his lovely cousin who would become queen(Esther 2:7;11).
2. He obeyed God rather than man: Mordecai put his life in danger by not bowing down to a man, particularly one who was considered God's enemy. (Esther 3:2-6).
3. He did what God wanted him to do: Throughout his life, Mordecai did what a God-fearing man would do and his faith was rewarded. (Esther 6:1-11).

Influencers also have to decide what is the best method to convince their audience to listen to them.

Daniel was put in a position that meant he could be influenced or he could be the influencer. Daniel and three of his countrymen were chosen by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon to be trained in the ways of the Babylonians. Daniel and his countrymen proved to be the wisest of all the trainees, and, at the end of their training, they entered the service of King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:1-7). Once they entered into the service of the King they were expected to eat and drink the rich food and wine from the king’s table. The plethora of food looked quite different from what Daniel and his countrymen were used to. I’m sure the smell could’ve been very enticing. Yet Daniel and his countrymen didn’t allow what “looked and smelled” good to defile them (Daniel 1:8). Instead, they remained steadfast to their God’s dietary restrictions.

Daniel and his countrymen’s faithfulness to God influenced the chief steward. The chief steward agreed to allow Daniel and his countrymen to eat only vegetables… “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink(Daniel 1:9-16).

Daniel’s method of remaining steadfast in not comprising his dietary restrictions, influenced the King. The outcome—not only was Daniel and his countrymen’s appearance better than those who ate from the king’s table their wisdom was ten times better (Daniel 1:15).

Daniel’s knowledge and relationship with his God put him and his countrymen in the position to influence the chief steward resulting in being retained by the king over the other men (Daniel 1:17-21).

Every day brings opportunities to influence. What type of influencer will you be?  Let’s prepare our hearts to influence others toward Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask that you purify my heart. Give me the wisdom to influence others according to Your Word. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead me in Your ways. I ask for courage to choose the method that will glorify You. Give me grace to exemplify Christ characteristics. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PEARLStoPONDER: To influence is to be influenced. What will influence you?

Matthew 5:13-16--¹³ “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.