day 785: Influencing

"Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God."

Yesterday, we read on how we can be influenced. Today's let's spend a few moments on the importance of influencing.

Big companies, big brands, big marketing and advertising budgets, big product launches. We are used to all of these being influencers in our culture and business lives. The bigger and bolder it is the more it gets noticed and if it really means anything then it sticks around and influences our lives and culture. Think about the influence that companies like Apple and Google have had on our everyday lives. And don't forget the Procter & Gambles or the Wal-Marts of the world. They are just as influential, but in a different way. Influence can come in many forms and if a company has it, they not only succeed but they tend to get a wind at their back. It's an important factor to think about when we discuss success criteria of our businesses. Are we influencing the market? Are we influencing the competition? Are we influencing our partners, customers, and ultimately our consumers? If we don't have influence, we don't have clout and it's hard to find momentum.

We are given the task and opportunity to be influencers for the Kingdom each and every day. Throughout this day each of us will have more opportunities to influence in a positive way than we can count. Each word, each inflection, each action are points of influence that we can either manage and make productive for the Kingdom or miss. It's not that we have to be in the face of other people about our faith. It's as much about are we modeling the life that Christ asks us to live for Him? Today, check your words. Check your actions. Check the attitude that others can see and feel coming from you. Are you being a positive influence on others in the office? Whether you know it or not, you are an influencer.

Reference: 3 John 1:11 (New Living Testament)