It’s impossible to go through life free from being influenced by someone or something. We either influence others, or they influence us. The trouble is that many influences in today’s world are harmful, and we must be careful which ones we allow to affect us. Submitting ourselves to Christ’s influence empowers us to do things we can’t do on our own and gives us wisdom to make the right choices in all our relationships.

We may wonder how we could possibly influence anyone, but with Jesus’ help, it’s entirely possible. Studying and meditating on God’s Word causes it to rub off on us; it influences others with whom we come into contact. We may not even realize we’re influencing people, but it can happen by just being in their presence. When we’re in God’s presence and let the Holy Spirit lead us in our daily interactions, the intangible qualities He gives us flow through us onto others. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]” (Galatians 5:22, 23, AMPC).

We can demonstrate Christ’s love to others by our godly attitudes and demeanor, making our actions a powerful witness for Him. Even if we’re unaware of the immediate effect we’re having on others, we’re planting seeds that will eventually sprout and be ready for harvesting. We may never see the harvest, but it comes when lives are changed because of us. The seed is the Word of God (Matthew 13:8; Luke 8:8, 11), and this Word is planted not just through our words, but also through our actions.

Often, we can impact others just by living peacefully. This is the opposite of what we see in the world, where being a busybody seems to be the norm. “That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing” (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12, NKJV). When we present ourselves in this manner, our influence is subtle, yet powerful. Applying this wisdom to our lives commands the respect of others.

Many times during His ministry, Jesus encountered people and met them at their greatest point of need. When He had compassion on a woman and brought her only son back from the dead, rumors of what He did spread far and wide (Luke 7:12-17). The takeaway here is not that other people see what we do, but that God sees what we do. Submitting to Him turns what we do privately and behind the scenes into a powerful impact publicly, for all to see. 

Whenever Jesus came into contact with people, He had a life-changing impact on them. This happened with Zacchaeus the tax collector (Luke 19:1-8), the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-29), the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), and many others. His influence came from a humble mindset of service to others. We can have the same influence when our daily actions, attitudes, and behaviors display Jesus to others.

We’ll never go through life alone when Jesus is walking with us. We have a tremendous opportunity to share Him with others. Letting Him influence us allows us to exert a godly impact on others, one person at a time.