Navigating influence in our world

People today are choosing to define God on their own terms. It seems more popular to follow a wide spectrum of influencers rather than a trusted source to answer the question, “What is truth?” And sadly, the Christian church has lost its edge to be a relevant source of absolute truth. How can we navigate influence to gain an audience to tell others what Christ has done?

On a recent podcast, a guest (Arthur Brooks, Professor at Harvard) made an interesting comment. He said that political leaders are heavily vested in gaining influence rather than trying to seek reform or common ground. They hire pollsters to gauge opinions, then say and do things to bolster their status to represent that opinion. Political leaders and media influencers are vying to be a voice of public outcry rather than an instrument of unity and collaboration to solve problems.

When people constantly gorge on biased stories and one-sided commentaries from news networks, radio shows, and podcasts, it invites a climate that demands polarization, hostility, and rudeness to win the day. Professor Brooks had one solution to solve this dilemma: love.

He is right. And we, as members of a Bible-centered Christian congregation, have a competitive edge to communicate the greatest source of love the world has ever known. Grace, peace, hope, and love are attached to the message of the cross.

The challenge is that the teaching of orthodox Christianity is largely being represented by polarizing political and social opinions that is designed to create fear, alarm, and distrust. Outreach strategies are not just learning how to reach the lost but knowing how to present a message that is counter to how the mainstream media projects the gospel of Jesus Christ and the institution of the church.

How can we do that?

Messaging Hope

Hope is a valued commodity. Christians are implored to give reasons for the hope we have in Christ to anybody who asks. (1 Peter 3:15) Faith in Christ is defined by the sureness of hope found only in Christ. (Heb. 11:1) The Gallup study on leadership grants us confidence that topics about hope will prick ears from people in our community who are longing for it.

Regularly communicating messages of hope that rests on the absolute Truth of the Bible will help gain an audience.

And this starts with us. Concerns for the future of our country can extinguish the desire to convey our hope in heaven to others. It exposes which kingdom we are most concerned about. Perhaps we can start examining our daily lives and discern the information that we tend to devour each day. This can mean turning off or decreasing the flow of troubling news that creates alarm and anxiety. Instead, we fix our eyes upon Christ and his promises and assurances. This helps prepare us to be available and confidently deliver reasons for the hope we have in Christ during uncertain times.

Messaging hope is only a part of the answer. Displaying hope grants credibility that helps people gain an audience.

“64% of followers emphasize the need to see hope from organizational leaders.”  [Gallup study on Leadership]

If it’s important for leaders to display hope, then it becomes even more important for churches and members to display hope to an outside world.

In Christ, believers are shining lights. Inserting ourselves into the community and rubbing elbows with others transmits the Light in us. Believers in Christ are salt that influences their surroundings. Displaying hope opens doors to deliver the Good News. When people hear the Word, Jesus Christ, the Influencer, goes to work to create faith according to his will and purpose.

One last thought

When Moses sent out twelve spies, only two came back with a positive report — Joshua and Caleb. Their words were not based on what they saw or their ability to conquer, but their belief that God would help them. Their response instilled hope that rested on God’s promises.

Are you willing to be a Joshua and Caleb in today’s world? Despite being surrounded by negative opinions, they fixed their eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen.

So, be strong. Take heart. Trust that right now is a great day to be God’s messengers.