Greg Chandler
People are interesting, especially when they assemble in public places. In modern American culture, it is increasingly rare for strangers to greet one another, let alone share any type of meaningful exchange. However, this does not prevent messages from being conveyed. Though people may silently pass one another in the grocery aisle or restaurant foyer, many messages are spoken by what is worn. While one may not hear a “roll tide” or “war eagle,” it would be a rare day in Alabama to not encounter someone’s clothing silently cheering the preferred school. Besides favorite teams, people promote singers, celebrities, causes, and a host of other information simply by making themselves walking billboards.
While having breakfast one morning in a small-town café, I noticed a young man approach the counter to purchase his takeaway order. His baggy shorts, Converse sneakers, and tattooed arms and legs provided a typical appearance for a young man of his age, yet it was the back of his hoodie that caught my attention, with its admonition to “own your influence.” Contemplating this, I wondered if he was religious, involved with a youth program, or simply someone who wanted to promote a positive message. While I will never know the answer to this question, his “walking billboard” served its purpose in challenging my consideration of what he promoted.
Etymologists explain that the word influence entered the English language as an astrological idea, describing how the position of stars impacts the destiny of humans. In the sixteenth century, its meaning began to change into the modern definition of the impact humans have on one another. It is important to note, however, that long before the birth of English, the Bible writers admonished their readers to contemplate this idea. For example, the writer of Proverbs stated, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Years later, the Lord Himself urged His listeners to consider their influence by stating, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). These, along with a host of other passages, walk side-by-side with the young man in encouraging everyone to “own your influence.”
The first step in owning your influence is to accept that personal actions and attitudes will have an impact on the actions and attitudes of others. Parents begin to understand this as young children mimic what they witness each day. Most conscientious parents have likely been called to seriously evaluate behavior when they hear or see their child emulating a not-so-laudable word or action. This provides a backdrop for the Apostle Paul’s admonition to “not provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Indeed, influence is strong even in the dawn of life.
Christians, in particular, must own their influence both in public settings and in brotherly relationships. To claim to know the peace of Jesus Christ yet speak and act in brattish ways is an affront to the Prince of Peace. In high-stress situations, bad retail experiences, or any host of circumstances, the one who can “keep his head,” or perhaps better stated “can keep his Head,” will demonstrate the influence of salt and light (see Matthew 5:13-16).
In brotherly relationships, the child of the King must remember His admonition to “love one another” (John 13:34). Whether doctrinal disagreement or difference in opinion on handling a situation, Christlike influence should be exerted. To exert divisive influence through constant complaining, subtle verbal jabs, or arrogant silence is to assault the body of Christ. To approach brotherly relationships with apathetic disregard is also detrimental to the well-being of fellow saints. Owning your influence in a positive manner will never seek to tear down but instead will seek to build up and encourage others in their journey to maturity.
American economist Henry George stated, “Let no man imagine that he has no influence. Whoever he may be, and wherever he may be placed, the man who thinks becomes a light and a power.” Everyone influences someone. When this fact is accepted, one is on the journey to being the “light and power” of which George spoke. In the home, public square, or meeting house of the saints, this influence will allow the light of Jesus to shine.
A young man’s hoodie did its job. While this is a reminder of how easily influence can be exerted, how much greater is the thought that one’s life can be a walking billboard for the Lord. Albert Orsborn understood this concept when he penned the words to “The Beauty of Jesus.” This 1916 hymn is a reminder to all that influence must be owned so that all glory is given to the One who gave His blood to own us.
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
May His Spirit divine, all my being refine,
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
Albert Orsborn, 1916
