Summer peaks with July festivities. Independence Day brings red, white and blue decorations, fireworks, BBQ get-togethers, and summer nights with family and friends.
As I contemplate this special holiday, thoughts about freedom come to mind. Some may see freedom as a privilege, the absence of oppression, financial opportunity, equality, and more. Of course, all of these are true, but from a Biblical perspective, Galatians 5:13 shares a different view–one of responsibility instead of benefit.
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Freedom allows us to love, serve, and influence others toward extraordinary outcomes.
You were made to impact the world in a way that no one else can. I know that God has designed you for something very significant and unique. He’s gifted and equipped you to influence for the good of the people around you. We have the power to change or affect the lives of other people. I believe it’s sacred work that God has entrusted to us.
Long before you even heard of God, He had his eye on you. He saw you. He knew you and knew the plans He had for you. He’s bestowed you with gifts specific to the purpose for which He’s designed you. When we take all of this into consideration, it stands to reason that understanding our identity means getting to know the one who created us. Make a careful exploration of who you, and do the work that God has given you to do. There’s no need to mimic what everyone else is doing. Discern what God’s unique calling looks like for your life, and relentlessly pursue it.
We can use influence for good or bad. We influence whether we acknowledge it or not. Our influence can be accidental, or it can be purposeful. We can be aware or completely oblivious of our impact on others.
We have to understand how to steward influence for extraordinary good. Stewarding our influence means to direct the trajectory of our influence, so we impact the lives of others in significant ways. It connects with the longings in our heart; it connects with our God-ordained desire to matter. There is something deep inside each of us that longs to count. We want to matter to the world, if even for a moment. We can’t help but feel called or destined for something significant. And I believe we are. I believe that each one of us has a purpose, a calling that only we are qualified to fulfill.
You were made to influence the world in a way that no one else can, but you have to make a careful exploration. You have to understand your sphere of influence. You have to steward it well. If your circle remains small, or if your circle expands exponentially, it’s not the arena of influence that matters, but how you steward the influence you’ve been given. The impact on each individual is equally significant.
I know that some days may feel long and hard, but this is our only life. Take responsibility for all that God has entrusted to you. You were made to influence the world in a way that no one else can.
When you begin to understand God’s heart for influence, you realize it isn’t about you. It’s not about your success, your enjoyment, your comfort, accolades, or your future. Your freedom to influence is a gift to open doors and move mountains for others.
There is somebody else who is going to thrive because of your freedom to lead and influence. Think about who is in this immediate circle of influence in your life right now: spouse, kids, parents, siblings, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or people in your small group. Who’s a part of your world right now.
I could tell you a zillion of stories of people who have made it possible for me to be where I am. You have that potential. You have the power to influence and impact a world in a way that no one else can. God has equipped you and designed you to live out your unique calling and gifting.
“Who will you influence, today?”
Keep leading well,
Jenni Catron
Jenni Catron is a writer, speaker, and leadership coach who consults churches and non-profits to help them lead from their extraordinary best. She speaks at conferences and churches nationwide, seeking to help others develop their leadership gifts and lead confidently. As Founder and CEO of The 4Sight Group, she consults with individuals and teams on leadership and organizational health.
Jenni is the author of several books, including Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence and The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership.
P.S. Our 4Sight coaches are available to help you navigate your leadership and influence and empower your team. You can learn more about the coaching services we offer and connect with a coach at get4sight.com/coaching. We would love to partner with you in your leadership journey!