5 Tips To Build Influence

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Building Influence

Sphere of Influence

Everyone has a sphere of people in their lives, including family, friends, church members, coworkers, clients, etc. It is our goal, as we obey Christ, to reach our neighbors. These are people you can influence for the Kingdom of God. To do so, we must build a platform where we earn the right to speak into people's lives.

In an age of technology, when we communicate by text, IM, email, and social media, we have lost real communication. Good communication is built on connecting well with others, which comes through valuing them. You can’t move people to action unless you first move them with emotion.

“Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them.” —John C. Maxwell

How do you build influence?

  1. Value others.

    “This is the great and supreme commandment. And the second is like it in importance: ‘You must love your friend in the same way you love yourself.’” —Matthew 22:38-39 TPT

    It's not always easy. People can be annoying—rude, selfish, ignorant, mean, godless, etc. Yet God wants all people to confess that Jesus alone is Lord. We need to value others as God values them. Everyone is worthy of His grace and love. Let’s be conduits of His compassion and mercy. Ask God for a greater love for Him and your neighbor. Ask Him to pour His love for the world into your heart.

    “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” —Luke 6:36 NLT

  2. Walk in humility.
    Pride and arrogance are natural turnoffs when speaking to others. A know-it-all is an insufferable person to be around. Pride is a terrible driver. Humility opens the door for grace from God as well as with others. Humility will allow you to speak into someone else’s situation.

  3. Take an interest.
    Taking an interest in others makes them feel special, valued, and wanted. Taking an interest is like putting credit in the bank. It encourages and supports others, and then, when it’s your turn to talk or share the truth of the Word, you will have something in the bank to withdraw.

  4. Ask questions.
    This is an extension of number three. Asking questions shows your interest, demonstrates that you care, and keeps the focus on others rather than yourself.

  5. Listen to understand, not to respond.
    Too many people listen just to have a snappy comeback, especially Christians who want to argue their faith or political points. We know we’re right, or we have a scripture to prove it, or we have some apologetics ready—but those answers will only be effective if we truly understand the other person’s position. We don’t have to agree with them, but we should seek to understand them.

As we practice the love of God within our sphere of influence, we will build a platform from which we can naturally and confidently share the message of Christ and give an account for the hope that is within us.