Who Is Your No. 1 Influencer?
The concept of influencers (influencer is someone who has the power to affect the decisions of others because of his or her authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with his or her audience) has been around for quite some time, but the modern idea of social media influencers really took off in the early 2000s.
Before social media, influential figures like celebrities and public figures used traditional media (newspapers, radio, TV) to sway public opinion. The early 2000s saw the rise of influential bloggers. Platforms like MySpace and the blogosphere allowed individuals to amass followings through their niche content. The launch of YouTube in 2005, followed by Twitter in 2006 and Instagram in 2010, supercharged the influencer phenomenon. These platforms enabled anyone with a smartphone and a vision to build a following.
They regularly post about that topic on their preferred social media channels and generate large followers of enthusiastic, engaged people who pay close attention to their views. Brands love social media influencers because they can create trends and encourage their followers to buy products they promote.
In asking Google AI (Artificial Intelligence) Copilot the question, “Who has had the most influence in the history of man? the answer was:
“No. 1 influencer in the history of the world is Jesus of Nazareth: As the central figure of Christianity, Jesus’ teachings have shaped the beliefs and practices of billions of people over two millennia.”
So, the first question to each of us becomes “How do I get to know this No. 1 influencer?
The Apostle Paul states in Philippians 3:8 “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.”
Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ: Paul considers everything else in life insignificant compared to the value of knowing Jesus. This knowledge isn’t just intellectual but a deep, personal relationship. It is “intimately knowing” Him not just “knowing about” Him.
Loss of All Things: Paul willingly gave up his previous status, achievements, and possessions. He views these losses as insignificant (“garbage”, “rubbish” or “dung”) compared to what he gains in Christ.
Gaining Christ: The ultimate goal for Paul is to gain Christ, meaning to be in a close, intimate relationship with Him, which surpasses all earthly gains.
The second question is “How do I follow this great influencer?”
Albert Schweitzer said “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”
1 Peter 2:21, says, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
Following Christ is a journey that involves several key steps and practices. Here are some foundational ways to follow Christ:
Accept Jesus as Your Savior: The first step is to believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Lord and Savior. This involves acknowledging your need for Him, repenting of your sins, and trusting in His sacrifice on the cross for your salvation.
Read and Study the Bible: The Bible is God’s Word and provides guidance on how to live a life that honors Him. Regularly reading and studying the Bible helps you understand God’s will and grow in your faith.
Pray Regularly: Prayer is a way to communicate with God. It involves praising Him, confessing your sins, thanking Him for His blessings, and bringing your requests to Him. Prayer helps you build a personal relationship with God.
Join a Community of Believers: Being part of a church or a small group of believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability. It also offers opportunities to worship, serve, and grow together in faith.
Live Out Your Faith: Following Christ means living according to His teachings. This includes loving others, serving those in need, forgiving those who wrong you, and striving to live a life of integrity and humility.
Share Your Faith: As you grow in your relationship with Christ, share the good news of His love and salvation with others. This can be through your words, actions, and the way you live your life.
Seek Continuous Growth: Following Christ is a lifelong journey. Continuously seek to grow in your faith through discipleship, learning from mature Christians, and being open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Remember, following Christ is not about being perfect but about being committed to growing in your intimate relationship with Him and becoming more and more like this No. 1 Influencer.
