As more people get their information online, social media influencers are a highly sought after group of specialists. Operating on multiple platforms, they were given access to both political party conventions this year, because of their acumen in targeting young voters. These niche marketers affect everything from purchases to politics, from what’s trending to what’s become passe. Their posts attract millions of followers.
Like or not, everyone is under some kind of social influencer. Put in different terms, we are all disciples – every one of us. Even the most ardent individualist has been influenced. They may march to the beat of their own drum, but they got that drum or that beat from someone.
According to Merriam-Webster, a “disciple” is typically defined as
“One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another”
“A convinced adherent of a school or individual”
I would add this definition:
A disciple is an influenced influencer.
Instead of debating whether you are under an influence, the more pertinent question is under whose influence are you operating? And in what way are you being an influencer?
Influencers use access points such as one’s age, ethnicity, intelligence or popularity as a platform to sway opinions, and to stimulate actions. Taylor Swift ‘s Instagram post endorsing Kamala Harris and urging “Swiftees” to vote, resulted in 400k clicks on Vote.gov – a site that helps voters to register. Want to guess who they will vote for?
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to be a disciple of Jesus is to be under his influence in every area of your life, and in radical ways.
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Other influencers include sports figures, business leaders, TV or movie personalities, and generally anyone who has achieved a level of success or notoriety. However we all have access points; people & places where we can make an impact.
Social influencers are typically centered around a cause or a particular philosophy. However, to be a disciple of Jesus is to be under his influence in every area of your life, and in radical ways. Jesus said things like, “whoever wants to save his/her life must lose it for my sake.” or “whoever wants to be my follower, must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”
Yet for Jesus, being under his influence was not the goal. It was to be an influenced influencer. He used phrases like:
“You are the salt of the earth”, “You are the light of the world.”
“Love one another, as I have loved you.”
“Go and make disciples of all nations,”
In other words, if you have been influenced by Jesus, you are to spread his influence to others.
Take some time to think about whose influence you are under.
In what ways have you been influenced by them and why?
In what way have you been influenced by Jesus?
How have you been an influencer on his behalf to others?
Social influencers may seem like they don’t matter. But they make a difference.
Being an influencer for Jesus may seem inconsequential. But it can transform a person’s life which in turn can affect other lives. As that influence spreads, it can transform a community, a society, and change our world.
Influenced to be an influencer
Nicholas
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