The Truth about Being An Influencer!

There is a popular term that has been consistently used for some time now and it’s called “influencer.” Being an influencer has become extremely popular since we are able to monetize our content and feed our insecurities. Because context creating and influencing others has become a global phenomenon, we have become loose in our moral standards to acquire likes, comments, and finances. Many of us literally go to extremes and throw away any godly standards we have for the sake of building an audience for attention and wealth. There’s nothing wrong with being an influential person or maintaining creative content. The bigger issue is what are we influencing people to do or become? Selah!

The intent of a thing is extremely important because as influencers, we disciple others with our ways (lifestyle, mindset, etc.). If someone respects us, they are going to copy our ways because it seems to be working for us. Unfortunately, many people don’t think for themselves, and they end up mimicking wrong behavior and receiving the wages that sin pays.

We quickly forget that there's a way that seems right unto a man but in the end, it brings forth death (see Proverbs 14:12). In addition, we also forget that we are accountable for the people we influence (disciple) because we either lead them to Christ and His ways or the ways of the enemy. Never forget that just because something is popular with man, doesn’t mean it’s popular with God. Also, just because a thing is making us a lot of money, doesn’t mean it has God’s approval. Many times we are agents of the enemy and don’t even know it because our relationship with God is inactive.

Here’s the truth: “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.” Matthew 18:7 NLT

To influence means to sway, persuade, effect, pressure, mold, lead, tempt, alter, guide, and the like. So if we have deemed ourselves as influencers, that means we are doing all those synonyms above. There is a sorrow that awaits those who are influencing people to do things that don't align with God’s standards. All of us are not mature in God. Some people are still in a baby stage concerning their walk with the Lord. The more uninformed we are about God, the easier we are led astray by influential people who hold no true godly conviction and are used by the enemy. There’s a high price to pay for being an influencer because we will give an account for the people we led away from God. On the other hand, we will be rewarded for the people we led to Him. We must ask ourselves this question: does God approve of what we are doing to gain the attention of others? If not, we are in position to be judged by the Lord.

In conclusion, whatever we’re doing in this life, we’re either promoting good or evil; God or Satan. There is no in between! Our job is to assess what we’re doing, who we truly serve, then live and create according to the Standards of God or the enemy. Whatever route we choose to go, we will be rewarded accordingly. However, we must keep in mind that the reward is based on who we serve and the seeds we’re sowing to build a following. Let those who have ears hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying.

God's Original Intent is Essential for the Body of Christ!

One of the reasons why many people in this generation are so detached from the real God and Church (the institution I’m referring to at the moment) is because they are more spiritual than legalistic and religious. Due to a lack of spiritual teaching, many lack understanding about godly spirituality versus deceptive demonic spirituality. Both provide us with experiences, but godly spirituality manifests the Lord’s nature and ungodly spirituality manifests carnality and demonic infiltration. Without knowing the Word of God and living it, we won’t be able to discern between the two (good and evil).

For teaching purposes, the church is the collective body of believers who serve the God of all creation. The institution (the church house, worship center, or the disciple’s training facility) is for the equipping and releasing of God’s people (soldiers of the Lord) into their call and to be fishers of men who are lost and in need of Jesus Christ (the Savior). In addition, the church house is for corporate fellowship as one body to bring glory, praise, honor, and worship unto God.

As human beings, we are naturally drawn to spiritual things (because we are spirits) more than we are to lifeless religious practices that lack a true move of God. Everything that is in alignment with God (every branch connected to the VINE), births life and forward movement. That being said, if we do things God’s way, we will get His intended results. In this day and time, much of what has and is still being birthed is the framework of our call without the walls, doors, or windows to complete our assignment from God. Selah! Without the five-fold ministry working together as a unit (God's original intent), we will remain fragmented while the kingdom of darkness work together in unity.

Moreover, in order to get the attention of this generation, many leaders will have to be delivered from the seduction and deception of man-made doctrines and denominations. They must align themselves with God’s original intent which includes executing the totality of His Word with demonstrations in godly character and spiritual power derived from the Holy Spirit. We must teach this generation about The Holy Spirit and how He’s the authentic Spirit of God (who lives in us if we are saved) who leads and guides us daily as we walk in the Spirit. On the contrary, we must never get The Holy Spirit confused with ancestral spirits (demons, familiar spirits) that masquerade as angels of light (or our deceased relatives). Selah!

One thing for sure, that which is out of alignment with God’s standards and foundation cannot be revived by man-made traditions (carnality). Life is spiritual! That’s why we wrestle not with “flesh and blood” but with principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places (see Ephesians 6:12). It’s time for us to stop doing church and be God’s church (the body of Christ collectively and God’s Kingdom Ambassadors!). Repentance from dead and self-centered works is a good start to getting back in right standing with the Lord.

Where Do You Stand with God?

Growing up in a godly house before we seriously surrender to God for ourselves can cause (and has caused many of us) us to become too familiar with God and the things that concern Him. It also causes our heart to become callous to the point where we think we know all there is to God (just because we've been in the church all our lives). This state of being is super dangerous because we end up carrying a form of godliness while lacking the true essence and power of being a believer (disciple of Christ). Here’s the truth: we can be in church from an infant to an adult and still not know God or be in right standing with Him. Selah! A second-hand relationship with the Lord doesn’t work after we become of age. We have to choose God for ourselves. What many leaders didn’t tell us that to choose Jesus is to choose His lifestyle. We were never supposed to remain or live in what He called us from. True believers are those who worship God in spirit and in truth (God’s truth, His Word). Remember, familiarity breeds contempt, disrespect and dishonor. Where do we stand with God? Don’t be guilty of spending your life dancing, shouting, and everything else before Lord, but never surrender to Him.

P.S. The cost of really being in Christ is a life fully surrendered to Him. That means we intentionally leave what He hates and walk in what He loves (which is righteousness and Holiness).

Scripture references:

"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Matthew‬ ‭16:26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬