Multiplying Your LifeSample

Description

Life as a leader can become consumed with the daily responsibilities of family, work, church and many other things that compete for our time. As leaders we know the value of regularly stepping back to look at the big picture, to see if we are on target. As we seek to line up our whole life with God’s mission, it helps to think about and evaluate how we are doing in the many aspects of life for which we are responsible. For some of us, these spheres of influence may seem overwhelming – we can’t do everything! 

Influencing My World

Who has influenced your life in a positive way? Where might you be if not for their influence? 

One of the most widely accepted definitions of leadership is influence. When we think of a leader, we often ask, “Does this person lead by influence or position?” 

What does influence look like for the leader who is a follower of Christ? In fact, you are having an influence whether you realize it or not - for good or for bad. Being more intentional about your influence can help to direct it for God’s kingdom. Who are the people you influence? 

Kevin DeYoung observed: “The people on this planet who end up doing nothing are those who never realized they couldn’t do everything.” Recognizing that we can’t do everything can actually take us to a place of clarity, if we begin asking ourselves and God, “What are my spheres of influence, and is there something that God would have me do?” What would Jesus do if He had influence over my spheres?  A note about salt in Matthew 5:13-16: Today we mainly think of salt as a flavoring for our food that is readily available. In ancient times however, salt was critically important to the survival of a civilization because of its crucial function in preserving food and preventing its decay. That is how salt would have been understood in the above passage. What effects do “salt and light” have on the things around them? 

Jesus meant for this to affect those around us. We play the functions of salt and light to family, employees or co-workers, friends, and general culture. To help you think through the spheres of influence where God has positioned you today, make a list of the people you influence. Pray for them and for your influence on them to help them to know God.

Awareness that we were once in darkness, and are now living in the light, informs how we relate to those in our world who are still in darkness. Think about someone.