To whom will you have a greater impact? To those you do not know or those in your sphere of influence? Ever notice that when people think of “outreach”, they completely disregard those in their sphere of influence, and try to reach those outside of their sphere of influence?
Does it not make sense that one would have a greater impact on those you personally know as opposed to those you do not know? More importantly, does it not make sense that these very people would have a greater impact on those who know them and the life they live each day?
Why Your Sphere Matters
Your sphere of influence is where your life speaks loudest. The people who know you, your family, friends, coworkers, see how you live every day. When your actions show the Father’s love, they notice. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Your influence starts with those closest to you, spreading His love through how you live.
Fear of Rejection
Could it be that we tend to feel more comfortable trying to influence people who know nothing about us, because we are afraid of rejection? It’s easier to be rejected by someone you don’t know, one whom you probably will never see again, than it is to be rejected by someone you do know, one whom you come into contact with every day. This is not an indictment, however, let’s be honest with ourselves. Fear of rejection is a real thing. Facing this fear means trusting the Father to guide your words and actions, even when it feels risky. Especially when it feels risky.
Influence Spreads
Jesus said, “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Note the outward progression? They were to be witnesses where they lived, to people you personally know. Only after they had influenced them with God’s ways, were they to go into Judea, (geographically right next to them). Next, they were to expand their influence Samaria with God’s ways, (again, further away from their sphere of influence), and finally to people you had no influence at all.
Your Sphere of Influence
Who is in your sphere of influence? In other words, who are the people you rub shoulders with every day, the ones who know you by name or reputation? These are the people you are His witnesses to. Why? Because they know your life and will see the influence of the Holy Spirit in your life. Your daily choices, how you treat others, how you handle challenges, show them the Father’s heart.
What is Your Witness?
Jesus said, “and you will be my witnesses in…” He did not say, “and you will do witnessing in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The commission is more than what you say or do; it is found in your life and conduct (See 1 Timothy 4:12). The fruit of being a “witness” is found in how you live. To be clear, the “witness” is in the being, not in the doing. “Doing” is the by-product of being. To the point, when your focus is on your relationship with Christ, (the being part), the “doing” will naturally follow. I’m equating “doing” with servanthood. When you are in right alignment with God, you will naturally serve others.
Remember, it is God who changes the heart, not man. It is not in what you say, it is not even in what you do that changes a man’s heart, rather, it is the power of the Holy Spirit at work in those you serve. I encourage you to be His witness by partnering with Jesus and serving the love of the Father to others. This partnership with Jesus ushers in the Holy Spirit like a flood, and that’s where the real work takes place, in the heart of man.