We watch others who seem to have the greatest number of followers, and in today’s world, they are many. They have a message, a gimmick, a voice…whatever, but people seem to gravitate to them en masse!
Can you duplicate their success? It’s possible. But why are you interested?
To replicate someone successful, you must look at some of their actions and habits to see where and how it works the best. They must be giving the audience what they want.
Is it possible to increase your influence with others?
Sure.
You have to work at it!
I’ve thought about this for years. When it seems like I’ve figured it out, then, like someone who holds the collection of followers in the palm of their hand, a finger in the dam slips. Suddenly, all the influence floods away. Often taking the dam with them.
What Gives?
How does it work for others, no matter how many fingers are pulled out of their dam? For me, it takes only one?!!?
I analyze myself and think something along the lines, “I don’t have what it takes.” That’s a belittling thought! Each of us has potential! Then, perhaps, I’m approaching it wrong. True. It’s not an accident that some approach life differently and have a different following.
Then, I think, who wants to be like them anyhow?! I’m me, and I want to be the best “me” that “me” knows how!
Quit comparing yourself to others! You’re an original made for your world, and that includes being influential in your circle of influence. As the kid’s song goes, that rattles through my brain. I’m a possibility!
My Morning Thought
John the Baptist had a singular purpose in life. He had “one thing” to accomplish.
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
(Matthew 3:3)
There was seemingly no instruction manual that went with his calling. No launch team. Directors. Nor Budget committee, much less a budget… Just preach the message. Prepare! Make his paths straight! He’s coming! I’m not worthy to unlatch his shoes!
Then Jesus showed up. Now what? His entire mission has been completed! What he had worked for was here! He’s arrested. Imprisoned. Sends his disciples to Jesus… “Are you the one? Or do we look for another?” If you’re the one, then my job is over. If not, I’ll get out of this somehow and keep on doing what God called me to do. His insight was carefully crafted into words that left no one guessing about his outcome.
He must increase. I must decrease. (John 3:30)
There’s a message here. Maybe it’s a little different take than the example from Bible.
For him to increase, what I am and who I am must decrease.
It’s not about me. It’s all about him.
Take it Deeper
Could you be satisfied with your life if all you had to do was to prepare the way? Make straight the path? Potentially have a shortened life? It’s almost like Paul, when he finally says, “I’m now ready to be offered up…” (2 Timothy 4:6-7) But Paul had a long ministry period. John the Baptist was only 6 months older than Jesus and related to him by family. We never learn anything about Paul’s private life. His focus on taking Jesus to “…Gentiles, Kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15) was not his only mission. That very next verse, Jesus tells Ananias that Paul would “suffer for my name’s sake…”
Short life. We know him well and his mission was accomplished. His influence was great!
Long life. We know him well and his mission was accomplished. His influence was great!
Does it matter if all the pieces do not fit as we think it should? If our influence for Jesus has impacted others, then that’s all that matters.
