Shiny InfluenceSample

The Best Influencers Are Also Followers

You’ve come a long way—all the way to the fifth day of this Shiny Influence Bible Plan. Great job! Before you can finish up this plan, there’s one more thing a shiny influencer needs to learn. 

You can also shine your light by appreciating authority! 

What does “authority” mean? Someone who is in authority has been chosen as a leader for a specific person or people group for a specific time. 

Who is in authority over you? People like your teachers, your parents, and other appointed leaders. If someone has authority, it’s usually because they gained the trust to be in that position. 

God asks us to respect authority. But it can be hard to respect someone (or their rules!) when we think we know better (or when we think we know what would be more fun!). 

Check out this video from one of The Loop Show’s dear friends, Leslie, for more on that.

Remember the last point Leslie made about the good things that respecting authority can bring into your life? It can help you earn more trust! And what do people who are trustworthy get? They’re given more freedoms and authority over their own choices!

Obeying those who are in authority is one super way for your good deeds to become so shiny others will take notice! You’ll be helping others recognize who God is! That’s shiny all right.

Ask yourself: What’s an area of your life where you can get better at respecting authority? 

Challenge yourself: Think of the rules you’re asked to follow in your home. What’s one rule you really have a hard time following? Grab a piece of paper and something to write with. Write down three reasons why that rule is actually good or good for you. Think about ways it can keep you safe, loved, help reduce feeling overwhelmed by too many choices, or even how respectfully obeying that rule can help you gain trust in your home.  

Pray: God, thank You for teaching me how to be respectful toward those who are in authority over me. You make me shine! Your ways are perfect. Help me to be someone others can trust. In Jesus’ name, amen.