Use Your Influence

You Are an Influencer for God’s Glory

Scripture References

• Matthew 5
• John 4

Overview

Every follower of Jesus is already an influencer. Culture may limit that word to online celebrities and big platforms, but Jesus calls His people “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” One ordinary conversation, encouragement, or act of love can redirect a life—and often does. Through stories from his own journey, the start of Life.Church, and the Samaritan woman in John 4, Pastor Craig showed that influence always begins with people right in front of us, not with the size of our audience.

“You have no idea how one conversation, one word of encouragement, or one expression of love might change someone’s life.”

Context

This message is part three of the “I’m In” series:

1. I’m Invited
2. I’m Invaluable
3. I’m Influential (today)
4. I’m Invested (next week)

Craig opened with a social-media clip that unexpectedly reached nearly 13 million views—a reminder that impact often shows up where we least expect it.

Main Points

1. Culture Has Hijacked the Word “Influencer”

• Online definitions reduce an influencer to someone who shapes purchase decisions because of follower count.
• In Scripture and real life, influencers are teachers, parents, coaches, Sunday-school leaders—ordinary people shaping destinies.
• Goal: reclaim the term and see ourselves as everyday influencers.

2. Jesus’ Identity Statement (Matthew 5)

• “You are the salt of the earth”… salt purifies, preserves, adds flavor.
  Small cue: “Tell your neighbor you’re kinda salty—and shiny.”
• “You are the light of the world”… light is placed on a stand so everyone can see.
• Real influence is visible love that draws attention to the Father, not to ourselves.

3. Influence Starts With People, Not Platforms

• Platforms measure breadth; people measure depth.
• Everyone already has a circle—family, coworkers, classmates, store clerks.
• Illustration: The origin story of Life.Church traces back through layers of unseen influencers—Pastor Nick Harris, a Gideon handing out Bibles, three “nerdy” college students who prayed daily, a protective dad who asked, “Do you know Jesus?” and a bold athlete who gave Craig a bracelet.
• Influence isn’t always obvious or instant; seeds often sprout later.

4. The Samaritan Woman: An Unlikely Influencer (John 4)

• Jews normally avoided Samaritans; rabbis never addressed Samaritan women.
• Jesus dignified her, exposed her thirst, and offered “living water.”
• She ran back to town—still imperfect, but now compelled—and many Samaritans believed because of her testimony.
• Lesson: You don’t have to have it all together to influence others toward Jesus; you just need to know Him and care.

5. Everyday Examples of Influence

• Worship as witness: Craig’s daughter Joy worshiped freely at a UNITED night; her passion ignited a college student’s hunger for God and led to another teen’s salvation.
• Story: Craig bought cross pins with his tithe money, then gave them away whenever someone mentioned them; one 7-Eleven clerk later appeared at Life.Church and thanked him—proof that small gestures echo.
• Each listener can be that “one conversation” for someone today.

Key Truths

• Jesus names every believer “salt” and “light”; influence is our identity, not a spiritual extra.
• True and lasting influence begins with people, not with platforms.
• A seed sown in a single moment can reap a harvest years later.
• God often uses unlikely, imperfect people—as soon as they’re willing.
• Visibility of good works directs others to glorify the Father, not us.

Response

• Embrace your God-given identity as an influencer.
• Look for one person today to encourage, serve, or pray for.
• Speak hope: share a verse, a sermon clip, or a personal story of God’s grace.
• Worship and live openly so that your everyday life points others to Jesus.
• Trust God with the unseen results; keep planting seeds.

Closing

Craig challenged every disciple to lift their hands and commit to being available: willing to let salt be salty and light shine brightly, even in interruptions. The harvest is ready, but “the influencers are few.” One word, one moment, one gift can carry someone from darkness to light.

“You are salt and you are light—let your light shine before others so they may glorify your Father in heaven.”

Prayer

Craig led two prayers: first for believers to be sensitive, interruptible influencers, and then a salvation prayer for those ready to follow Jesus. He asked God to forgive sins, fill new believers with the Spirit, and empower the church to be “a light in a dark world.”

Resources

• “God So Good” – Life.Church Worship album
• Hillsong UNITED worship night (Oklahoma City)
• Gideons International (Bible distribution ministry)