Reflecting Christ: True Influence Through Integrity and Honor

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Your Identity as a Kingdom Influencer

As followers of Jesus, we are not left to wonder who we are or what our purpose is; God has declared us a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and His treasured possession. This identity is not based on our achievements or failures, but on God’s love and calling, which He set upon us before the foundation of the world. No matter what the world says or how we may feel, nothing can separate us from the love and approval we have in Christ. From this secure place, we are called to live out our identity, not seeking the world’s validation, but living as those who belong to God and are sent to proclaim His goodness. [07:40]

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Reflection: In what ways have you been seeking your identity or approval from the world rather than from God? How can you remind yourself today that you are God’s beloved and live from that truth?

Day 2: Proclaim Christ, Not Yourself

Our mission as disciples is not to draw attention to ourselves, but to make much of Jesus in every area of our lives. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we are called to reflect the glory of Christ, pointing others to His character, truth, and salvation. This means shifting our focus from self-promotion to boasting about the One who brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light. When we align ourselves with Jesus and stay close to Him, His radiance shines through us, and our lives become a testimony to His greatness. [14:12]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: How can you intentionally shift your conversations and actions today to make much of Jesus rather than yourself? Who can you share a “wow” about God with this week?

Day 3: Establish Influence Through Integrity

True influence for Christ is built on integrity—living in a way that matches what we proclaim about Jesus, both in public and in private. Integrity means abstaining from the passions of the flesh that wage war against our souls and keeping our conduct honorable among unbelievers, so that our good deeds point others to God. Like a boat moored to a dock, integrity keeps us anchored to Christ and prevents us from drifting with the tides of culture. Though the world may reward cutting corners, God calls us to consistent, holy living, knowing that our witness is at stake and that He will bless our faithfulness. [21:37]

1 Peter 2:11-12 (ESV)
"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Reflection: Where are you most tempted to compromise your integrity? What is one specific step you can take today to anchor yourself to Christ and live out what you proclaim?

Day 4: Extend Influence Through Intentional Honor

God calls us to honor everyone—not just those we agree with or those in authority, but also those who serve us and those we encounter in everyday life. This honor is not based on whether someone deserves it, but on the value God has assigned to every person as His creation. By honoring up, down, and all around, we display the character of Christ, who humbled Himself and served others. In a culture that often mocks, cancels, or tears down, we are to be people who build bridges, show kindness, and assign value to others for the Lord’s sake, pointing them to the love and respect God has for them. [30:55]

1 Peter 2:13-17 (ESV)
"Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor."

Reflection: Who is one person in your life—whether above, below, or beside you—whom you find difficult to honor? What is one practical way you can show them Christlike honor today?

Day 5: Influence Begins with Proximity to Jesus

Lasting, eternal influence does not come from having a large platform or many followers, but from staying close and aligned with Jesus. When we draw near to Him, He renews our hearts, restores our integrity, and teaches us how to live honorably. If we find that our light has dimmed because of sin or discouragement, we are invited to return to Jesus, who calls us by name and empowers us to shine for His glory. Real influence starts with intimacy with Christ, and as we live for Him—both when others are watching and when we are alone—we leave a legacy that points generations to Him. [38:01]

John 15:4-5 (ESV)
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: Are you in close alignment and proximity to Jesus right now, or have you drifted? What is one way you can intentionally draw near to Him today so that His light shines through you?

Sermon Summary

In a world obsessed with influence and platforms, the call for followers of Jesus is radically different. Rather than seeking attention for ourselves, the true mark of a disciple is to live in such a way that every word, action, and attitude points others to the character, truth, and salvation of Christ. This is not a partial calling—it is an all-encompassing identity rooted in the reality that we are God’s chosen, beloved people, called out of darkness into His marvelous light. Our influence is not measured by numbers or popularity, but by the depth of our alignment and proximity to Jesus, much like the moon only shines when it reflects the sun.

Embracing this identity means understanding that our value and purpose come from God’s love and choosing, not from the world’s approval. We are not here to advertise ourselves, but to proclaim the excellencies of the One who saved us. This proclamation is not just with our lips, but with lives marked by integrity—living out what we profess, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Integrity is the anchor that keeps us from drifting with the tides of culture, ensuring that our witness remains clear and compelling.

But influence is not just about personal holiness; it is extended through intentional honor. We are called to honor everyone—those above us, those below us, and those alongside us—not because they deserve it, but for the Lord’s sake. Every person bears the value God has assigned, and our respect for them is a reflection of our reverence for Him. This kind of honor builds bridges, displays the humility of Christ, and opens doors for the gospel in a world that often shouts, mocks, and cancels.

Our influence is not limited to grand gestures or public platforms. It is found in the everyday interactions with family, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers. The question is not whether we have influence, but how we are leveraging it: are we drawing people to ourselves, or to Christ? The answer lies in our proximity to Jesus. Real, lasting influence flows from a life aligned with Him, shining His light into the darkness, and leaving a legacy that points beyond ourselves to the glory of God.

Key Takeaways

1. Identity as Kingdom Influencers: The foundation of Christian influence is rooted in knowing who we are and whose we are. God has chosen, loved, and called us out of darkness, giving us a secure identity that no circumstance or failure can take away. Our mission is not to seek validation from the world, but to live from the approval we already have in Christ, proclaiming His excellencies in every sphere of life. [09:26]
2. Reflecting Christ, Not Ourselves: Like the moon reflecting the sun, our lives are meant to radiate the glory of Jesus, not our own. True influence comes not from self-promotion, but from alignment and proximity to Christ, allowing His light to shine through us. When we make much of Him rather than ourselves, we become living testimonies that draw others to the source of all light and life. [16:26]
3. Integrity as the Anchor of Influence: Integrity is the connective tissue between what we profess and how we live. It is not about perfection, but about consistency—doing what is right, holy, and true even when it is hard or unseen. Without integrity, our witness is compromised, and our influence for Christ is diminished; with it, we remain anchored to God’s unchanging character and word, resisting the drift of cultural compromise. [22:49]
4. Intentional Honor in All Relationships: Honoring others is not conditional on their worthiness, but is an act of obedience to God who assigns value to every person. Whether dealing with those in authority, those we serve, or our peers, intentional honor means treating all with respect, gentleness, and love, reflecting the humility and selflessness of Christ. This posture of honor is a powerful witness in a world marked by division and disrespect. [29:21]
5. Influence Flows from Proximity to Jesus: The depth and reach of our influence is not determined by our platform, but by our closeness to Christ. When we remain aligned with Him, His light shines through us, enabling us to impact others in both big and small ways. Lasting, eternal influence is the fruit of a life lived in daily communion with Jesus, honoring Him in every interaction and leaving a legacy that points to His glory. [38:01]
** [38:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - Series Recap and Introduction
[01:06] - Preview of Upcoming Jonah Series
[01:39] - Prayer and Global Impact
[02:53] - The World’s View of Influence
[03:49] - Lasting Influence for Christ
[04:25] - The Call to Relational Influence
[04:58] - Defining a Christlike Influencer
[05:57] - Shifting Focus: From Self to Christ
[07:04] - Embracing Our Identity in Christ
[09:26] - The Depth of God’s Love and Choosing
[12:27] - Proclaiming God’s Excellencies
[15:41] - The Moon Analogy: Reflecting the Son
[17:29] - Establishing Influence Through Integrity
[22:49] - Integrity: Staying Anchored in a Drifting World
[25:43] - Extending Influence Through Honor
[29:21] - Assigning Value: God’s View of Humanity
[31:58] - Honoring Up, Down, and All Around
[33:31] - Everyday Influence: Where and How
[36:22] - The Challenge and Hope of Consistent Influence
[38:01] - Real Influence Starts with Proximity to Jesus
[38:23] - Closing and Call to Live as Christ’s Representatives

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Peter 2:9-17 (ESV) —
> 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
> 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
> 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
> 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
> 13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
> 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
> 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
> 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
> 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 2:9-10, what are some of the specific identities and roles that Peter says believers have?
In verses 11-12, what does Peter urge believers to do regarding their conduct among non-believers?
What reasons does Peter give for honoring those in authority, even if we disagree with them? ([27:04])
In the sermon, what analogy does Pastor Tim use to describe how Christians reflect Christ’s influence in the world? ([15:41])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Peter emphasize that our identity as God’s people is secure and not based on our performance or the world’s approval? How might this affect the way a believer lives? ([09:26])
What does it mean to “proclaim the excellencies” of God not just with words, but with our lives? How is this different from self-promotion? ([12:57])
How does integrity serve as an “anchor” for Christian influence, according to the sermon? What are some ways integrity can be challenged in daily life? ([22:49])
Why is honoring others—regardless of their position or behavior—so important for a Christian’s witness? ([29:21])

Application Questions

Pastor Tim said, “Our mission is not to seek validation from the world, but to live from the approval we already have in Christ.” Where do you most often look for approval or validation? How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ this week? ([09:26])
The sermon used the analogy of the moon reflecting the sun to describe how we reflect Christ. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to “shine your own light” instead of reflecting Jesus? What would it look like to realign yourself with Him? ([16:26])
Integrity was described as “the connective tissue between what we profess and how we live.” Can you think of a recent situation where your integrity was tested? How did you respond, and what would you do differently next time? ([22:49])
Peter calls us to “honor everyone.” Is there someone in your life—maybe a boss, coworker, family member, or even a stranger—whom you find difficult to honor? What is one practical step you can take this week to show them respect for the Lord’s sake? ([29:21])
The sermon challenged us to consider how we use our influence in everyday interactions. Think about your daily routine: who are the people you regularly interact with (family, coworkers, neighbors, service workers)? How can you intentionally point them to Christ through your words and actions this week? ([33:31])
When you reflect on your conversations, do you tend to talk more about yourself or about what God is doing in your life? What is one way you can shift your conversations to “make much of Jesus” instead of yourself? ([35:22])
Pastor Tim asked, “Am I shining as brightly with the glory that he’s given me so that others may be drawn to Him? Or have I been dimmed by sin or discouragement?” What is one area where you feel your “light” has dimmed, and what step can you take to draw closer to Jesus this week? ([38:01])

Sermon Clips

The world is full of influencers, and sadly, oftentimes Christians desire that kind of influence in the world. But Jesus makes it clear that our influence is going to be different than that of the world. You see, the influence that these individuals have is waning. It will come and it will go. It will go as their abilities and gifts that they have, whether on the stage or at the athletic field, will go by the wayside, so will their influence. It will go. It will not last eternity, but what we're going to learn in the Scriptures today and what we need to get better at is influencing Christ for the sake of his kingdom and for the sake of eternity. [00:03:36] (45 seconds) #EternalKingdomInfluence

He wants you and he wants me, as followers of Jesus Christ, to know that we have an identity. We have an identity. Our world struggles with its identity today. Not so for the believer. The Christian has been told in no uncertain terms at all who you are because of God. [00:08:23] (25 seconds) #IdentityInChrist

Words cannot express and emotions cannot contain the wow that I have. For the God who called me out of sin, who called me out of darkness, who called me out of rebellion, and has brought me into his marvelous light, I've got nothing except for that. [00:14:17] (23 seconds) #CalledOutOfDarkness

Integrity says that which I proclaim. Is that how I live? That's what integrity is. Integrity says, I live the way I believe. And integrity says, I do it when everybody's watching. I do it when no one is watching. Integrity is saying, I do it when I'm around believers and when I'm around only non believers. Integrity says that there is connective tissue to what I believe and what I do and say and act. [00:19:48] (40 seconds) #IntegrityInAction

Integrity is the dock that holds us where we need to stay. Without integrity, you will float away. Without integrity, you will make decisions and you will cut corners and you will do things that will allow you to float into the world. Now here's the problem. The world's okay with you cutting corners. The world's okay with you giving up on things that God's word has said not to do. And so we more ourselves, we connect ourselves to the unchangeable character and word of God so that we don't flow, float away with every ebb and flow of the waves of culture in this world. [00:22:39] (42 seconds) #AnchorInGodsWord

Godly influence begins and ends with personal integrity. It begins and ends with personal integrity. If we cannot live according to our proclamation, we are of no value to God. We've got no value to Him. We're not advertising him, we're advertising ourselves. [00:25:19] (24 seconds) #IntegrityIsInfluence

You have influence all over the world. Have you ever stopped and say, how am I leveraging that influence in that world? What can I do in big and, yes, even small ways to make an impact in the lives of those people? How can I leave them feeling a little more honored than when they were not interacting with me? [00:34:06] (29 seconds) #SelflessHonor

If you're like me and if we're honest, living this kind of life isn't easy. It's hard to shine brightly in a world that's so dark. It's hard to be consistent when no one's watching. It's hard to live a life of integrity. Listen, this is hard to live a life of integrity when everybody who doesn't live a life of integrity gets ahead. But the good news is you don't have to live like that. God's called you to something different. [00:36:34] (34 seconds) #LeverageYourInfluence

Real influence doesn't start with your platform. It starts with proximity to Jesus. You want to make an impact in this world. You want to influence the world with lasting, eternal impact. Get close to Jesus. Live for him when others are watching and when you're all by yourself, and honor all along the way, and you will leave a legacy for Jesus that will surpass generations. [00:38:06] (34 seconds) #LastingInfluenceThroughJesus

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does it mean to influence others for Christ?

How does integrity impact Christian influence and testimony?

In what ways can believers honor others consistently?