The modern definition of an “influencer” is someone who gains a ton of followers on social media so they can get paid by companies to advertise their products.

For real?

It’s time to re-claim that word. Because according to the Bible, every Christian is an influencer. If you follow Jesus, then Jesus has called you to influence the people around you:

You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

A city on a hill is a city that people look up to. It’s visible and influential. At night, you can’t miss it. The lights from the city go out for miles.

Kind of like Kaimuki used to be. For years, our church office was in Kaimuki, right across from Big City Diner. Kaimuki used to be called “The Big City” because 60 or 70 years ago the city stopped at Kaimuki. It was just farms beyond.

So all the farmers out in East Oahu, all the way to Hawaii Kai, would be sitting out on their porches at night. They would look at all the neon lights up on the hill in Kaimuki: the shops on Waialae Avenue. The Queen Theater. And all the kids would say, “Daddy, what are all those lights?” And all the dads would say, “Hoh, daz da Big City!”

And Jesus says that’s what you are. And there’s not even a question about it. “You are the light of the world.” You are an influence. You are a leader. You’re an influence in your home. In your church. In your neighborhood. In your office. In your classroom. On your jobsite.

You are an influencer. So then the only question is, are you a helpful influence or not?

There are all kinds of unhelpful influencers in the world. Many people are a passive influence. The kinds of people who don’t really know they’re a leader, or if they do, they aren’t really excited about being a leader. Others are an unpredictable influence. One day you’re going one way, then the next you’re going the opposite way. Some people know they’re influencers and like it a little too much, so they become a domineering influence.

But Jesus has called us to be a gospel influence. So how will that happen? Join us for a 3-week series starting this Sunday, as we study the book of Titus to see how we can be a gospel influence on our island, just like Titus was on the island of Crete.