Influence is a powerful thing to possess. Everyone wields the ability to influence, although some have greater influence than others. A parent has a colossal influence on their child; a grandparent to a grandchild; siblings to one another; a teacher to a student; an elder to a local church; a mature Christian to a babe in Christ; etc. A position of influence comes with great responsibility; for influence can be both positive, and negative. Therefore, we must be creatures of integrity and virtue to ensure our influence is purely positive.

In part, Christians are created for the purpose of influencing others. Jesus preached on influence when He metaphorically stated that Christians are salt and light in the world (cf. Matthew 5:13-14). We are seen by men, and what men see must be what is acceptable to God. Otherwise, our influence will bring destruction to those who follow.

The apostle Peter is an apt example of the power of influence, and how we must be constantly aware of our actions, and those who witness them. In Paul’s epistle to the church in Galatia he mentioned a confrontation he had with Peter. Although Peter was aware that the gospel was for the Gentiles as well as the Jews (cf. Acts 10), he played the hypocrite and showed partiality to his non-Jewish brethren. He would eat with the Gentiles, but when his Jewish brethren arrived he withdrew himself from their company (cf. Galatians 2:11-13). This behavior was intolerable. Appropriately, Paul “withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed” (2:11). His actions were disgustingly inappropriate, and inconsistent. However, what is more alarming is the negative influence he had on others who looked up to him as an apostle of the Lord.

“And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy” (2:13). Assuredly, their actions were a result of free-will, but Peter’s influence obviously played a monumental role in their decision. The power of Peter’s influence was emphasized by Paul when he said, “so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.” Barnabas was no babe in Christ. He was practiced in the faith, and had accomplished much good for the sake of Christ’s kingdom. The Holy Spirit revealed that Barnabas was “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24). Nevertheless, Peter’s influence was sufficient for the devil to lead this good man down a path of sin.

No doubt Peter regretted his actions and learned a lesson about the influence he possessed. If only we would do the same without experiencing a failure ourselves! We must recognize that leading someone astray via example is tantamount to leading them astray via teaching them false doctrine. We will be judged not only by our words, but our deeds (cf. Colossians 3:17; Romans 2:6)! God is watching always, and others spectate in addition! What are they seeing, and how are they reacting?