A Networker

I have been doing the social network thing for a couple of years now. I’m okay at some of them, but really horrible with others. Facebook and Pinterest I get. But Twitter? I’m just not sure how to use it. I’m certain the 12 people who follow me wonder what I’m doing. Well guess what? I am too!

As a writer in my writing circles, I’ve been encouraged to utilize all aspects of social networking, however, it does take some time to connect with people daily and to understand the ins and outs of each of them.

I recently joined Klout. It is a site that tells me how much influence I have over others. Their byline is “the standard of influence.” On the first day I used this site, my score was a “3.” A “3!”

I thought I had more influence than that, but according to Klout, I didn’t.

Then yesterday I got a note from them that said my Klout rating had changed. When I viewed my stats, I found that my score had jumped to 45! And this is what was said about me.

“You are a networker. You know how to connect to the right people and share what's important to your audience. You generously share your network to help your followers. You have a high level of engagement and an influential audience.”

Phew! I was beginning to think that perhaps I was wasting my time. And maybe in the world’s view, I am. But in God’s eyes, I’m doing exactly what He desires. Sharing the Gospel with others.

In Matthew 5, Jesus calls us the salt and light of the world. In verse 16 (NIV)  He says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” We are called to be influential. But it must bring glory to God.

Timothy was encouraged by Paul to be aware of what he was teaching. It needed to be of sound doctrine. He was also encouraged to live a life where no one would be able to speak against it. And because of it, many would be saved. “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16 – NIV)

In Titus 2:7-8 (NIV) Paul encourages Titus with a similar message. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”

I believe the idea of teaching with integrity is a valuable lesson. I may have influence, but if my message isn’t filled with integrity, seriousness, and soundness, I might as well be teaching how to catch a fish in a water puddle. I must spend quality time in God’s Word in order for my teaching to be in line with God’s teachings. I must spend quality time with God to know His message.

Then I must be able to share it in a way so that the message is clear. I love the passage in Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV). It is a prayer I use for those heading out on mission trips because it says exactly what they are going to do.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

For myself I pray that doors would be opened and that my message is clear. And always, always, always that my message be full of grace and seasoned with salt.

From the beginning, I have felt that all of my writing (blog, Bible studies, and novels), had to be influential, but influential for God’s Kingdom. My goal is that God would always receive the glory for any accomplishments. And above all, that others would see Jesus in it all.

So if Klout thinks it is the standard of influence, I would have to beg to differ with them. God must be the standard by which determine whom and how we influence. But they did get one thing correct. I am sharing what’s important to my audience! God!

So what about you? How are you influencing people?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna