How to Have a Different Kind of Influence BY PASTOR BRYANT HARRIS
With the rise in social media platforms such as One of the greatest influencers of all time was Jesus. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc., there has been The Apostle Paul states in Philippians 2, that although an enormous increase of people becoming social Jesus was equal with God, he came to us in the form influencers. As best as I can tell, influencers seek to of a servant. He goes on to say that Jesus didn’t come attract followers by using their online presence to give forcing himself on others, but loved others, with a opinions on everything from food, clothing and travel humble attitude. to just about anything you can imagine. While I have very little influence on the internet, Social influencers may have some I (and you) have the opportunity to specific training or experience in their make each day better for someone else. Jesus had no particular area of interest, but that often Perhaps a friend, neighbor or even a is not the case. They also may become stranger who we bump into today could Facebook page, an expert about a particular topic based use a smile, a hand or an encouraging no Instagram on their social or celebrity status, humor word. Maybe someone you know needs or creative use of media to share their someone simply to listen, because posts and no opinions. they’ve already heard enough advice TikTok videos. You may already have picked up on this, from someone else. but I am not an expert on social media While social influencers are here or what it takes to be a social influencer. As I observe to stay and, I hope, help people with their opinions, interactions on various media platforms, becoming perhaps the world would be a better place if we turned an influencer appears to start with having an opinion, off our devices more often, and helped others in person. finding a creative way to share that opinion and, then, Jesus had no Facebook page, no Instagram posts and no over time, building an audience of people who follow TikTok videos, and yet he changed the world with his you and seek your opinion — although, I am sure love and his servant’s heart. If you really want to have there is much more to it. more influence, become someone who loves, listens and As I reflect on this topic, I am drawn to a more helps those in need. personal kind of influence that each of us can utilize. A speaker I admire, who often contributes to big mission projects throughout the world, reminds us Bryant Harris is senior pastor at Mars Hill that we don’t have to go across the world to make Presbyterian Church. He began his ministry at the a difference. Often, the best place to start is to church in 1995. encourage or help a neighbor.
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AROUND ACWORTH | October 2021
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