When was the last time you took time to consider your circle of influence? Everyone is influencing someone. Who are the people you are influencing? Maybe you are influencing change in your community. You can influence by your words, your actions, and even by the look on your face.
Influence isn't about having a social position or certain financial status. Look at Esther in Scripture. She was an orphan living in the country, and then one day, she was queen of the whole land. Her influence saved an entire race of people. Yes, she was in the public eye, but her Uncle Mordecai wasn't. But, he influenced her. So, even if you aren't in the public eye, you may be the one to influence the influencer!
Always remember, you have influence over your children, your spouse, your co-workers, your boss and your circle of friends. Your influence may be extremely subtle. You may not receive accolades or acknowledgements in this life, and you may not even realize all the ways you are affecting the people around you. Influence isn't about a social position; it's about a heart position. When you show up with a heart of excellence, you are operating from your place of influence. When you go above and beyond to do what is right, people take notice. The Bible says in Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." You sharpen the people around you by simply doing what is right.
We all have days when we don't feel very influential. Maybe life has knocked you down a few times, or maybe you feel overwhelmed by things that are beyond your control. I encourage you to read the book of Esther in the Bible. Esther was orphaned as a young girl and seemed to have little hope for significance, but there was something different about her. She believed that she had a purpose and a destiny to fulfill. Through a series of events, God's favor positioned her in the palace of the king.
Today, I believe that God's favor is going to position you in places you never thought possible. I believe that as you steward your influence, as you keep a heart of excellence, God is going to multiply your influence. He'll take you places that you never dreamed, and He'll use you in ways you never imagined. Believe that you are a person of destiny and look for ways to operate in your place of influence today.
"One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend." (Proverbs 22:11, NIV)