authentic influence

"In our routine comings and goings as followers of Jesus, God wants us to naturally influence those around us for Jesus."

i've been reading this new book by Jonathan Murphy, Authentic Influencer, and it has stirred something up in my heart. since the day i first established my social media presence, i've prayed and determined to be an authentic influencer to glorify God through my life. and, as a more challenging endeavor, i sought to follow and surround myself with influencers with the same heart and purpose. finding and following authentic influencers is like finding a treasure in a field.

as i'm reading Authentic Influencer, i'm discovering biblical principles that define someone who influences authentically. using Barnabas as our example, Murphy shows us how to practically detect and launch the potential in others, and to stand for truth while loving like Jesus. 

some of the lines i've highlighted in the book so far:

"The issue is not just whether we are impressionable and malleable. That's a settled matter. The question is, Who shapes us? ...Moreover, who do you shape? What influence spreads from you?"

"Authentic godly influence can occur anywhere: in vans that become gospel tanks, from pulpits that brings spiritual revival, at kitchen tables one-on-one, and even in sea caves. and that influence can occur by anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ: next-to-nobody preachers, mailmen, stay-at-home moms, CEOs, grannies, gardeners, and the list goes on."

"Jesus' first sermon to us is simple: Be my influencer. Don't be a tasteless Christian. Don't be a closet Christian. Saturate culture for Christ by influencing those around you."

and that's just in the first few chapters! this book is a call and an encouragement to shape our world for Jesus! and personally, it's helping me be more aware of who i'm letting influence me.

as believers, we have the unique opportunity and responsibility to leverage our influence for the Kingdom. our influence has more impact than we will ever know this side of heaven. so it's crucial that we are careful about how we use our influence and how we are influenced by others.

by studying the life of Barnabas, we see how he influenced the world for Jesus Christ in practical and doable ways. become encouraged to shape our world for Jesus— beginning with whoever happens to be close by. 

if you desire to be more intentional with the way you influence and are influenced, i highly recommend this book! to purchase AUTHENTIC INFLUNCER by Jonathan Murphy: http://bit.ly/3EgYkvZ

i'm looking forward to digging deeper into this book and being even more inspired to live a life of influence for the glory of God! 

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, 

out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” -John‬ ‭7:38‬

*i was provided a copy of the book for the purposes of offering my honest to goodness review.

⁣