In Part I of our two-part conversation about influence, we began to uncover just how broadly and how deeply the power of influence runs. In our world today, influence has taken on a new - and in some ways even more significant meaning - than ever before. Now because we have social media, we have created a space for influencers to arise within our midst. Sometimes these individuals appear on the scene from very unlikely backgrounds. The vast majority of the most popular of these influencers have been given our attention because they are famous. Curiously, much of their influence is not based on the expertise that was required to master their craft. Because influence happens all of the time at all different levels, our big question now is, how can we become more effective influencers in our everyday lives? How do we quantify the power of influence? Do we measure its success by sheer numbers or by its life-changing capacity? Do we think the person with the most followers must be the winner? After all, look at all those people! While the number of those who follow is a legitimate measuring stick, the next question is, where are they following this influencer to? Is it all about clothing, or hair care products or attention-getting gimmicks? Or is it about truly life-enhancing direction? Biblical influencers The Bible gives us several examples of those who had influence. In some cases, these influencers were in positions of authority. In other cases, they were people with little or no public voice. One particular example stands out. This example has to do with a young girl who was perhaps around 10-years old. We are never told her name. What we do know is that she was a servant in the home of a great warrior from Syria with an incurable disease. The account tells us that her few words to this warrior’s wife began a life-changing series of events for him. Think about the level of influence this example displays. It shows us that even those who may be deemed utterly insignificant can possess powerful and positive influence. What does this mean for those of us who live here and now and who don’t have the power of social media promoting us? Check out our April 15, 2024 podcast, “How Can We Become Influencers? (Part II)” for more. We detail the fascinating events of a few biblical influencers who remained nameless. Next, we discuss Moses as an influencer, and how he had no confidence in himself and needed to be shown how to influence - God’s way. We highlight Nehemiah whose rise to influencer was nothing short of legendary and follow the sound principles of godly influence he adhered to. Join us as we compare today’s influencers and their fame with the humble and powerful influencers of biblical times. Learn how we can all have influence that can be God-honoring and positive!