Word for the day “Being a leader of influence”
Matthew 27: 57 (NKJV) Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. 59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.
THE LEADERSHIP OF INFLUENCE HAS AN AMAZING IMPACT.
When Jesus was crucified, there was a question as to where Jesus would be buried. Those that rushed him to the cross, designed that he should make his grave with the wicked; but God designed he should make it with the rich (Isaiah 53:9), and so he did. Please understand, in order for Jesus to be buried with honor, a man of influence was permitted to take the body of Jesus. His name was Joseph of Arimathea.
It seems this man had a personal relationship with Pilate. He was a man of influence and owned a burial cave that was reserved for the rich. Joseph of Arimathea was called an honorable counselor, a person of character and distinction, and in an office of public trust; some think in the state, and that he was one of Pilate’s privy councils; his post rather seems to have been in the church, he was one of the great Sanhedrin of the Jews or one of the high priest’s councils.
If we are to influence the culture, there must be men and women of influence whom God uses to impact the culture. If you are a successful person, consider the words of Paul when he said, “what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). Although Paul was referencing adversity in this statement, it can be equally said that each of us needs to ask if our success has served to advance the gospel.
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE CHANGES THE LIVES OF PEOPLE.
I’ve discovered in my journey that influence is earned. It doesn’t come instantaneously, and it doesn’t come by accident, so we have to be intentional with how we approach growing our influence. According to leadership standards, John Maxwell teaches at the end of the day, there are two types of people: the ones who give value, and the ones who receive value. Influence is always gained by giving value.
John Maxwell lives out the principle of giving value by doing five simple things every day:
Value people
Think of ways to add value to people
Look for ways to value people
Do things that add value to people
Encourage others to add value to people
I sincerely believe in this outline for my life and have seen tremendous growth in my influence. But this process doesn’t happen instantaneously, it evolves over a period of consistent, and diligent execution.
Quote: “Influence the currency of leadership”
POINT TO PONDER
Are you using your influence to impact your church, workplace, community, or even our nation for the sake of the gospel? I sincerely believe that everyone is a leader because everyone influences someone.
However, there are only two questions to be considered: “Will you choose to develop your influence? and “Will you use your influence to better the world we live in?”
Special thanks!
James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of October 2022, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st-century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Judith Battle, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mrs. Shakeema Lowe, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Mr. Kevin Byfield, Ms. Shawna Chester, Ms. Jennifer Sanchez, Ms. Judy Hendrix, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Mr. William Wilson, Mr. William Buchanan, Ms. Rita McGuffin, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,