“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” (Matthew 5:13 NIV)
This past Sunday, the Head of our Trustees presented a Teaching Emphasis during our morning service that included a description of Jesus’ resume. Realizing that this part of our service was not just inserted in the order of worship, but more importantly an assignment that came with the purpose to perpetuate the faith of every person in the pews, she challenged the congregation to examine our own resumes as it relates to being a believer. Life is full of unrecognized parts of an unfolding, bigger story.
So, the unfolding continues. Later that same day, I saw a commercial about a product where it identified the occupation of the person is giving a testimonial or endorsement about a product. The title was “Influence Professional.” Silently I said, “What! What!” I had never heard of that title before in my life. I thought, “Perhaps I need to change both my church resume and my secular resume to use this title, ‘Influencer.’” Surely it would be an appropriate title for a lead pastor. I can see it now on my church bio, “Senior Influencer.” And instead of my secular resume identifying me as a former Consultant, a Director of Human Resources, or a Adjunct Faculty staff member, I should just use the term “Influencer.” Perhaps that would be a better, more positive title, and the response to any jobs applied for would be abundant. Hmmm! I’ll have to think about that one.
John Maxwell, in an article titled “Factors That Influence Influence (2013),” stated, “True leadership always begins with the inner person.” The unfolding, and my thought processed continued. The “bigger story” starts to become clearer. You see, as Christians, in the process of obediently making disciples, we are always leading someone. It may be a child, or an adult not yet converted, or it might be a new to the church person that we are now leading, directly or indirectly by our commitment and constant devotion. It may be at work where we are known to be a child of God and people are continuously looking to find fault, looking to see if we falter, fail, or contradict our faith. The motive of these unbelievers is to label us as” hypocrites.” The unfolding continues and now the expanded story reaches out to you. Here is how we counter. We let the inner person take charge! We put forth the conscious effort to let co-workers see the Christ who lives in us. We don’t need a positional leadership title. Christians are always being influencers. Like I already said, “We are always leading someone.” As we use to say, “I kid you not.” Therefore, you and I, we can be accurately referred to as “Influencers.”
My friend, this is not just creative, early morning writing. Beloved, this is not just a sign of resourceful research used to relay a really pertinent message. No! There is a specific purpose behind today’s meditation. To be clear, know that you don’t have to be concerned about literally rewriting your written resume, but unequivocally, let it be part of your behavioral resume. Your actions should reveal that you are an “Influencer.” Yes! You are definitely an “Influencer.” Let me unfold the story a little more, unveiling and emphasizing what Jesus said so, in so many words on the Sermon on the Mount. See the familiar verses above and below again.
Now, you continue the unfolding. You influence, influence. Think of yourself in this role revealed to you this morning. It’s your job title: “Influencer.” Hope this has been inciteful, influential, and that it has ignited a little inertia to move towards carry the responsibilities that come with your job responsibilities as an influencer. Have an incredible Tuesday. Be blessed.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)
Mark L. King