Becoming a Next-Level BelieverПримерок

The Power of Influence

One meaning of influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development or behavior of someone or something. When you influence someone or something, a measure of change occurs. Influence initiates change, and you and I are anointed as God’s agents of change. Bringing change to the earth, light to where it’s in darkness is our heavenly assignment.

We next-level believers are called to influence those around us for the Kingdom. How do we maximize our influence? One way is to employ every spiritual weapon at our disposal, as we talked about in Day 4. As you use your God-given gifts and weapons, your influence increases. As your influence increases, your Kingdom productivity also increases, enabling you to compel individuals to come into the Kingdom.

Yet there are also some things we can change about ourselves, if needed, that will maximize our influence. One of these involves changing our mindset. You must believe that God has called and anointed you for His purposes. Wrong theology will prevent you from becoming an influencer for God and can create an ungodly passivity within you. Renewing your mind in the Word of God aligns your thinking with God’s intent.

Another thing we can change is our self-perception. Not self-reliance—you must totally depend on God, not yourself. But you cannot maximize your influence if you don’t believe in yourself. Believe that through the power of the Spirit, you can become who God purposed you to be!

Likewise, we can change our vision, which will clarify our direction. Vision helps you see how to move your Kingdom assignment and grounds you in God’s intent. Vision mixed with faith helps you see beyond your current circumstances and perceived inadequacies to become a powerful influencer.

A final thing is that we can change our attitude. Be honest with yourself and God, and take responsibility where your attitude needs adjustment. Change your attitude by changing your thoughts. What has been your attitude toward spiritual things? Submit your attitude to the Lord and let the Holy Spirit create the character of Jesus within you. Before you were born, God had a plan and purpose for your life. He has a vision of you and for you. He knows who He created you to be—a next-level believer and powerful influencer, anointed with the power and authority to represent Him and His ways to the world.

We adapted this plan from another resource. Learn more at http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/next-level-believers/409560.