THE ENVOY

Have you ever paused to think about who or what’s influencing you?

Maybe it’s the YouTuber whose morning routine you’ve adopted. Or the friend whose book recommendations always hit the mark. Or the colleague whose work ethic silently challenges you to do better. Influence is everywhere — subtle, powerful, and often unnoticed.

We live in a world where influence is measured in likes, shares, and followers. Where being an “influencer” is a career goal, and viral content is currency. But behind the screens and algorithms, there’s a deeper kind of influence — one that doesn’t depend on platforms or popularity.

It’s the influence of a grandmother’s prayers. A teacher’s encouragement. A friend’s quiet integrity. A believer’s unwavering faith.

And here’s the truth: you are an influencer. Not because of your follower count, but because of your identity in Christ.

This dispatch is for every believer who’s ever wondered, “Do I really matter?” For every Christian who’s felt too ordinary to make a difference. For every follower of Jesus who’s forgotten that they carry the light of heaven.

You were made for influence. Not the kind that trends — the kind that transforms.

Let’s explore what that means.

Made for Influence

“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:13–14

In a world obsessed with influence, where TikTok dances and Instagram reels can catapult someone into overnight fame, it’s easy to think that influence is reserved for the few — the charismatic, the tech-savvy, the viral.

But what if I told you that influence was never meant to be a digital commodity? What if influence was God’s idea from the beginning — and you were made for it?

You, believer, are not just a passive participant in the world’s story. You are a fearless influencer, commissioned by Christ to shape culture, challenge darkness, and reflect the light of heaven. Let’s unpack what that means.

The Original Influencer

Long before social media, before hashtags and followers, there was a garden. In that garden, God created mankind in His image — not just to exist, but to influence. To steward creation, to reflect His glory, to multiply His goodness across the earth.

But influence was hijacked. Satan, the master deceiver, influenced Adam and Eve, and through them, the world fell under the shadow of sin. Yet God, in His relentless love, launched a rescue mission. He chose Abraham, then Israel, to be His influencers among the nations. But again, influence was compromised — traded for idols and assimilation.

Then came Jesus. The greatest influencer the world has ever known. Not because He had the most followers on Instagram, but because His influence transcends time, culture, and geography. Today, over 2.2 billion people claim His name. His influence is eternal. And His method? Discipleship.

Jesus chose ordinary people — fishermen, tax collectors, zealots — and influenced them deeply. He didn’t just teach them; He transformed them. And then He sent them out to do the same. This is the Great Commission: Go and make disciples. In other words, go and influence.

Redefining Influence

Let’s pause here. What comes to mind when you hear the word “influencer”? Maybe Cristiano Ronaldo with his 500M followers. Maybe Khaby Lame’s silent comedy. Maybe it’s some designer or fashion model, or cultural icon. These are the world’s influencers — and they’re not inherently bad. But their influence is often fleeting, tied to trends and algorithms.

God’s influence is different. It’s eternal. It’s transformative. And it’s entrusted to you.

Salt and Light: The Influencer’s Identity

Jesus didn’t say, “You might be the salt of the earth.” He said, “You are.” Not “a light among many,” but “the light of the world.” Exclusive. Definitive. You are God’s chosen agent of influence in your family, your workplace, your school, your neighborhood.

Jesus used two powerful metaphors to describe our influence: salt and light.

Salt: Influence Through Character

Salt in the ancient world was precious. It flavored, preserved, healed, fertilized, and even served as currency. Roman soldiers were paid in salt — hence the phrase “worth your salt.”

So what does it mean to be salt?

• Flavor: Your presence should make life richer. Your words, your attitude, your integrity — they should add value.
• Preservation: In a decaying world, your character should preserve truth, justice, and righteousness.
• Healing: Your compassion, your forgiveness, your empathy — they should bring healing to broken hearts.

Salt works by being different. You don’t salt salt. You salt food. To influence, you must be distinct. If you blend in, you lose your saltiness — and your influence.

Light: Influence Through Conduct

Light dispels darkness. It guides, warns, and reveals. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Light is public. It’s visible. It’s active. You can’t hide it under a bowl and expect it to make a difference. And light is most visible when it comes into contact with darkness.

And here’s the beautiful truth: while Jesus was the light of the world during His earthly ministry, He now calls us to reflect His light. Like the moon reflects the sun, we reflect Christ. We are the bearers of His light in a dark world.

The Threats to Influence

Jesus warned that salt can lose its saltiness and light can be hidden. Let’s explore how that happens.

1. Compromise

When we conform to the world — in our ethics, our relationships, our speech — we dilute our influence. Compromise is costly. It not only tarnishes our witness but gives others an excuse to dismiss God.

Think of the scandals, the moral failures, the hypocrisy. When believers fall, the world mocks. Our compromise can lead others to reject the very God we claim to represent.

2. Isolation

Some believers don’t compromise — they isolate. They keep their faith private, their salt in the shaker, their light under a bowl. But influence requires contact. You can’t change what you won’t touch.

Jesus made contact. He became flesh. He lived among us. He ate with sinners. He touched lepers. He engaged culture. So must we.

Becoming a Fearless Influencer

To be a fearless influencer, you must embrace three things:

1. Fearlessly Different

Salt and light are effective because they’re different. To make a difference, you must be different.

• If the world lies and you lie, what’s the difference?
• If the world bribes and you bribe, what’s the difference?
• If the world is lazy and you’re lazy, what’s the difference?

Your distinctiveness is your power. Live a life that stands out — in your work ethic, your kindness, your honesty, your purity. Let your life be a testimony.

2. Fearless Contact

Influence requires proximity. Salt must touch food. Light must enter darkness.

Many Christians have no meaningful relationships with non-believers. We fear contamination. But Jesus touched the unclean and remained holy. He calls us to do the same.

Who do you need to contact? A neighbor? A colleague? An old friend? Influence begins with relationship. Invite someone for coffee. Start a conversation. Be present.

3. Fearless Following

Influence is a chain. Jesus influenced His disciples. They influenced others. And now, we are called to follow and influence.

But here’s the catch: you become like those who influence you. Be careful who you follow — online, in books, in podcasts. Choose mentors who reflect Christ. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow in faith.

Putting Influence to Work

Influence isn’t just a concept. It’s a lifestyle.

• When you listen to someone in pain and respond with love, you’re influencing.
• When you post a verse or share a sermon clip, you’re influencing.
• When you treat a waitress with dignity, drive with courtesy, or serve your employer with excellence — you’re influencing.

Your children, your nieces, your colleagues — they’re watching. Your social media followers — they’re reading. Your neighbors — they’re noticing.

Let your light shine. Let your salt season. Don’t apologize for being a Christian. Don’t hide your faith. Be public. Be bold. Be fearless.

You Were Made for This

Jesus’ words still echo today:

“You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.”

Not “you might be.” Not “you could be.” You are.

This is your identity. This is your mission. This is your calling.

So rise up, Envoy. Influence your world. Be fearless. Be different. Make contact. Follow Jesus. Reflect His light. Season the earth. Shine in the darkness.

Because in the end, the only influence that truly matters is the one that points people to Jesus.