#living #waterwalkinggirls by: Deborah Ard
“Finally , brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV

The book of Philippians was written by Paul to the Christian congregation he had helped to establish. He was instructing them on the meaning of being a Christian and on Christian living. The above scripture is an example of how Paul explains to live as a Christian as he instructs them and us on what to fill our minds with so as to stay on track in our Christian living. However the verse that follows gives us some advice I think we should ponder:
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 NIV
In this verse Paul told the new Christians to put into practice whatever that had learned or heard from him but also whatever they had seen in him. In other words he was leading by example.
Yesterday in the Start Today podcast by Rachel and Dave Hollis, Rachel was using a word I am not sure I had really heard or thought about. She was talking about being an “influencer.” The word is apparently used in reference to social media. It is someone that has many followers (10,000 or more) and is an authority on a certain subject and often has an indorsement from a particular product or brand. In other words it is like an individual that is an advertiser. However the more I have thought about it I realize every one of us in the Christian community is called to be a Christian influencer! We should be a Christianity advertisement. Each of us is called to be living our lives in such a way that others will learn from our words and actions what it means to be a Christian. Every day God places in our path people we are influencing. We have a choice in what we impress upon them and in what ways we influence. Christian living is a day in and day out calling. Christian living is learning every day, growing from what is learned, and then showing others by example. Christian living is being an Influencer!
So now I ask you to examine yourself. First of all think about who you influence. Who is in your close circle that you influence daily? Who do you come into contact with randomly that you may influence? Next, think about your daily Christian living. Is there an area or areas that perhaps are not good examples of Christian living that you may need to ask God to help you change? Listen to how God speaks to you and be open to His suggestions. Now go about your day being intentional with what you say and do. Be an example of Christian living to those who come into contact with you. Be a Christian Influencer!