Lately, I have been reflecting on the words of Jesus about influence.  Scriptures such as “You are salt of the earth…” (Matthew 5:12-13), “You are the light of the world…” (Matthew 5: 14), and The Kingdom is Like leaven (Matthew 13:33).  These and a host of others ring true as I help others discover their purpose and pursue their great. 

When you have discovered your purpose and begin to operate in it, you have the potential to become an influencer and change-maker.  What does this pathway to influence look like? After reading the book, Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountain Mandate by Lance Wallanu and Bill Johnson, I have borrowed and repurposed an idea from Bill Johnson. 

Johnson notes, “Jesus is the King of all kings, yet the Servant of all. This unique combination found in the Son of God is the call of the hour upon us” (p. 21).  The path to influence involves serving and ruling.  Johnson goes on to state what I have coined as the path to influence trifecta i.e., [1]

• Before God, I’m an intimate (Intimacy)
• Before people, I’m a servant (Service)
• Before the powers of hell, I’m a ruler (Rulership)

Before God, I’m an intimate (Intimacy)

Clarity of purpose is borne out of intimacy with God.  In the six essential questions you need answer to get clear on your purpose knowing how to answer “Whose are you?” and “Who are you?” comes from encountering and knowing God in a personal way. This is where you begin to understand purpose as God intended. The pathway to influence requires intentional intimacy with the one who knows you better than you know yourself (Psalm 139).

Before people, I’m a servant (Service)

In a prior blog, The Secret to Greatness I have shared what true greatness is – Service.  We are called to impact the spheres of influence that God has placed us in with our gifts, skills, and abilities with passion.  Changing culture and bringing the order of the Kingdom of God requires patience and time.

Bill Johnson says it best: “…We work to change the culture. This requires more time, as the goal is not a specific healing or conversion. The goal is the transformation of society itself by invading the systems of the city in order to serve. Serving for their benefit, not ours, is the key “(p. 25)[2]

Before the powers of hell, I’m a ruler (Rulership)

The way Johnson articulates the point that before the powers of hell, we are rulers— resonates with me 100%. I have written extensively on this topic in my book, What is Man? Becoming Realigned and Designed to Fulfill Your Prophetic Kingdom Destiny. You can download it for free.  So how is this influence through rulership manifested?  Again, Johnson spells it out: [3]

• It is the authority to set people free from torment and disease.
• It is the authority to destroy the works of darkness
• It is the authority to move the resources of Heaven through creative expression to meet human needs.
• It is the authority to bring Heaven to earth.
• It is the authority to serve.

I hope you realize that as Christ Follower and Kingdom Ambassador, you are an influencer. In the words of Bill Johnson, Royalty is our identity, Servanthood is your assignment, and intimacy with God is your life source.[4] This is the Influence Trifecta.  What’s holding you back from exerting your influence?

[1]Wallnau, L., & Johnson, B. (2013). Invading Babylon. Destiny Image, Incorporated.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.