You may not think of yourself as being an influencer, and in the way society defines it, with Instagram followers, swipe ups, and brand collaborations, maybe you don’t meet that definition. However, just being your authentic self, showing up in relationship with people around you through encouragement and prayer, and allowing them to see Jesus working in your life, then you are the best kind of influencer—a spiritual influencer. 

You might be saying, “I don’t feel like an influencer, least of all a spiritual influencer.” But I bet you have family and/or friends whom you’ve been open and honest about your struggles, your successes, and your questions about faith. You’ve read the Bible together and whispered prayers in intercession. If you’re a mom, wife, sister, or friend these are your people; they have a front row seat to the beautiful work of Jesus in your life. 

And at the very least, there are others who look on from a distance at how you respond in good and hard times. Your life is a witness of Jesus’ faithfulness. You are a living testimony of what the life of a real Christian looks like with all its beauty and flaws. 

So congrats! You are now an official spiritual influencer. 

As you embrace the role of influencing others for Jesus, how can you be sure you are showing up in the best way to encourage and serve your people. 

Here are 3 keys to being a spiritual influencer: 

• Spend time in God’s Word: You can not serve from an empty place. If you aren’t filled with God’s Word, then you will not be effective in sharing true Biblical wisdom and encouragement with your people, whether they be in real life or online. Make it a habit to spend regular time in the Scripture and prayer. Fill up so you can pour out. 

• Be Consistent: Whether you influence one person or hundreds, give as much of yourself to the one as you would the masses. Be faithful to show up in that relationship. You may not think you are making a difference, but don’t let that stop you. Keep showing up. Even if you need to scale back and create space for yourself, be consistent connecting with your people. They need it and so do you. 

• Be a Good Listener: Being a spiritual influence isn’t always about giving advice. Most of the time its about listening to your people. Be present in the moment and truly hear their heart. You don’t always have to give an answer. Oftentimes a simple Scripture and prayer is the best offering you can give.   

Having people to do life with is a blessing. There’s no better way to grow spiritually than to encourage and challenge each other in God’s Word. Who are the people in your influence? How can you best serve them this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Proverbs 27:17 ESV