It’s amazing how many young adults claim their job title is “Influencer”. In fact, your kids may have that as their career goal, too. Even if your children are interested in other careers, they may very well follow influencers on social media. They understand the power influencers can have on the purchases people make, the music they listen to, the content they stream and more. What your kids may not understand is that they have a sphere of influence even if they are “off the grid”.
When discussing their sphere of influence, your kids will naturally think of followers on social media or kids at school who will follow their lead if they suggest something. What they may not understand is the more subtle ways they can influence others – sometimes without even being aware they are impacting those people. The things they say and do can alter the ways people think and even their belief systems.
Tell your kids the story of Ruth. Point out the impression she gave to people merely by gleaning wheat to help care for Naomi. In fact, Boaz was so impressed with her attitudes and actions, that he married her. She even became the great-grandmother of King David! She never preached a sermon or wrote a book, but the things that she said and did reflected God’s image to others and influenced them in a positive way.
Ask your kids to think about who sees or hears them on a regular basis. Remind them they can make an impression on people who notice them – even if they don’t see those people themselves. Help them think of examples when something a stranger said or did impacted them in some way. Encourage them to think of the ways what they say and the things they do could influence others – in a good or a negative way. More importantly, help them brainstorm ways they can be more intentional in their choices in hopes that their influence points more people to God. Encourage them to use any influence they have in ways that make a positive difference in the spiritual lives of others… that type of influence may not earn them any money, but it can have eternal implications.