Personally, I have never prayed for a following. I have never prayed for success or to be popular or well-liked. However, I have asked God routinely for influence.

Influence carries a weight that popularity never can. As a pastor, I carry a burden—not to be seen, but to make a difference. I want to use the leadership God has granted me to influence others toward what is right and godly. My desire is to utilize my platform as a preacher to encourage wise decision-making. I want my writings to challenge people to pursue righteous thinking. I want my influence as a Christian to lead others to Christ. As a husband, I want my influence to faithfully lead my wife. I want the influence of my words, actions, and example to guide my children, long after my authority is no longer required.

Aim for influence.

Popularity is not necessary to be an influence. Today’s social media “influencers” often are not truly influential. Algorithms, views, follows, and likes are not substitutes for the personal touch every person needs. The teachers who influenced us the most were not necessarily popular by the world’s standards. Those who made the biggest impact on our lives did not trend on social media. We do not have to be liked to influence others.

Many of the greatest influencers in history often went uncelebrated in their time. Some were misunderstood. Some were opposed, while others were hated; but they all had one thing in common. They stayed faithful, and their influence endured.

The funny thing is, there are likely people reading this right now who do not even like me. Yet, they keep reading. Why? Influence is powerful. I am influencing them—whether they realize it or not.

Do not strive to be seen. Ask God for influence to make a difference in the lives of others—not for your glory, but for His.

Popularity rarely lasts a lifetime. Influence endures for generations.