Distinguishing Yourself - The Influence Effect - 264

Culture keeps shouting, but hearts still crave something steady, real, and life-giving. We take a hard look at what it means to stand firm with grace—learning from Daniel’s quiet courage and exploring a simple framework for Christlike impact: the lion’s boldness, the man’s compassion, the eagle’s excellence, and the ox’s endurance. This isn’t about louder opinions; it’s about a transformed life that carries peace into tense rooms, clarity into confusion, and hope into heavy places.

We start with the tension of hitting “publish” when truth feels contested, then trace how Daniel distinguished himself—not by charisma, but by daily choices shaped by surrender. From there, we unpack how the Spirit brings fresh-air freedom that ripples outward, turning private formation into public blessing. Each “face” becomes practical: boldness that comes from being with God, not from bravado; people-centered love that sees beyond labels and moves toward pain; excellence that removes distractions and honors God through diligent, thoughtful work; and perseverance that stays calm under pressure, keeps showing up, and outlasts the storm.

Along the way, we connect gospel portraits to everyday life—how proximity fuels courage, why empathy requires presence, how excellence opens hearts, and where endurance becomes credibility. The goal is simple and challenging: love God, love people, do everything with excellence, and keep a good attitude. If you’re ready to influence without shouting and lead without a title, this conversation gives you handles you can use today. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs fresh courage, and leave a review to help others find the show. Which “face” are you growing in this week?

Daniel Dilemma - CH

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome, Platforms, And Series Update
• 3:20 Why Releasing Matters In A Shifting Culture
• 6:20 Daniel’s Model Of Surrendered Influence
• 9:15 Distinguished Versus Distinguishing Yourself
• 12:00 Transformation, Freedom, And Ripple Effect
• 15:45 Four Faces: A Framework For Christlike Living
• 19:20 The Lion: Boldness From Presence With God
• 24:00 The Man: Compassionate, People‑Centered Ministry
• 28:00 The Eagle: Excellence That Honors God
• 32:00 The Ox: Perseverance And Calm Strength
• 36:00 Influence Through Action And Final Takeaways

Transcript

Daniel Moore: 0:04

When we have a gun to transform it, it doesn't just less our analysis. We actually become agents of renewable to the handle. It's hard to be playing to impact the world. If not familiar with our show, you can check out our website at connectingthegap.net for our platforms. Our YouTube and Rumble links are there. We're also on the Christian Podcasting app Edifi. And we're also on your Alexa and Google Smart devices. You can also visit us on social, on Facebook, Instagram, and X at CTGapOnline. If you're a fan of our show, please subscribe. Feel free to leave a comment on our platforms and give us a thumbs up or a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. And we'd be eternally grateful to you for doing that. Well, as I mentioned here in the intro, we are in episode 15. It's hard to believe that we're finally to that point. And those of you that have been counting, we have 16 episodes in this series. So next week is going to be the final episode in this series on the book of Daniel. So I hope you guys have really enjoyed that. The listens have really came up quite a bit, and we've gained some new listeners. Want to welcome all of you guys out there that has started being a regular to listen to the episodes each week as we release them. And I hope that you've really enjoyed all of them and I hope that they minister to you. And that's going to be bringing us up to something new. And so I guess I'll kind of give you a little bit of a sneak peek here before we get started this week in our episode of what's coming down the pike here. As I stated, next week will be episode 16 of this series, so that'll wrap it up. And I think what I'm going to do at that point on the Tuesday episodes for Connecting the Gap, I'm probably going to take about a one to two week break, and we'll just have the Thursday marriage episodes that'll be landing during those couple of weeks. And then probably around the first of November, I plan on coming back and we're going to try something a little bit different. We're going to do a full study on the book of Isaiah, verse by verse. And we're going to dig deep into that book and we'll uh probably talk about a lot of other things along the way as well. And for any of you that know anything about the book of Isaiah, that book has 66 chapters. So we're going to be parked in that chapter for a long time. I don't know how long that's going to go. I'm sure it's going to be well over a year considering these episodes aren't that long. So, but we're just going to work our way through it. And for any of you that have ever been interested in the book of Isaiah and would like to dig into that with me, then please plan on being here. Again, that's going to probably be around the first of November. And we'll get started into that. Be a little bit of a different format and a little bit different way that we're going to be uh working our way through that book. So hopefully you guys will enjoy that. So that's just something to look forward to here on Connecting the Gap. But for now, we've got an episode to take care of, and we're going to go ahead and jump right into that. This week it's episode 15, Distinguishing Yourself. The influence effect. Releasing another episode of my podcast is always a mix of emotions, excitement, nervousness, and a deep sense of responsibility. And then repeat. It's not just about putting content out there, it's about standing firm in what I believe while also connecting with people in a real and compassionate way. Every time I hit publish, I know that I'm stepping into a space where culture is constantly shifting, where truth is often blurred, and where standing up for strong values can be met with resistance or misunderstanding. This isn't just a casual hobby. It's a calling to engage with listeners in a world that often sends mixed messages. Like presenting a message to a room full of strangers, dropping a new podcast episode feels like entering into a public space where everything I say might be interpreted through a different lens. But you know what? I do it anyway, not because it's easy, but because it's needed. My goal isn't to argue or stand apart, but to reach into cultural conversations with both clarity and compassion, approaching each episode with humility and boldness. In a time where compromise can feel like the easiest route, I choose to release each episode as an act of confidence, not in myself, but in the power of truth delivered in love. Just like the original story talks about stepping up when it's not convenient or comfortable, I see every new release as an opportunity to be both a voice of courage and a heart of empathy for my listeners, no matter what the topic. In today's world, a world overflowing with moral compromise and aggressive polarized debates, it's easy to feel disheartened. So many voices are shouting, yet so little peace or understanding seems to rise above the noise. In times like these, what we truly need isn't just another argument or louder opinion, we need a genuine spiritual awakening. And that revival won't come through politics or policy changes alone. It must be led by strong, loving, and grounded Christians who choose to engage the world with both grace and conviction. I'm talking about people who walk into cultural conversations like a breath of fresh air, not with all the answers, not as perfect paragons of righteousness, but as humble, authentic followers of Jesus. People like us, imperfect but surrendered, doing our best each day to love God with our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength. These people are deeply planted in their faith, yet courageously stepping into the cultural tension without losing their compassion. This is the kind of believer that our current moment demands. That's one of the reasons why the story of Daniel continues to inspire me so much. It's not just because my name is Daniel, although that could be part of it, but think about it, Daniel didn't choose his circumstances. He was taken captive, he was dragged from his homeland, and he was immersed into a pagan empire that challenged everything he believed. Imagine the emotional and spiritual weight of being ripped from your family, your community, and your culture, all while being pressured to conform to a hostile way of life. And yet Daniel, he didn't just survive that pressure, he rose above it. Astonishingly, he became an advisor and leader to four different kings in a foreign land that initially viewed his beliefs with contempt. So how did Daniel do it? What was his secret in the midst of overwhelming cultural shifts? Well, he surrendered his life completely to God and allowed that surrender to shape how he lived. He didn't compromise his convictions, but he didn't close himself off either. He became a person of undeniable influence, not by being loud or combative, but by being deeply anchored in his faith and remarkably respectful in his actions. That's the kind of influence that I want to strive for, and I believe it's the kind of influence that we're all capable of having when we live surrendered lives. This to me is the essence of real leadership, not controlling people, but influencing culture by embodying truth and love in equal measure. It's no wonder that one of my favorite moments from Daniel's story also contains what I believe is one of the clearest pictures of leadership in all of Scripture. In Daniel chapter six, verse one through three it says it pleased Darius to appoint a hundred and twenty satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. It's important to notice something subtle but powerful here. The Bible doesn't say Daniel was naturally distinguished, unique or born with some extraordinary gifting. Instead, it says he distinguished himself. That detail matters. Like many of us, Daniel probably didn't stand out in the crowd based on his first impressions. I know I often don't feel particularly remarkable either, but what set Daniel apart wasn't his natural charisma or outward traits. It was the way that he lived. There's a significant difference between being distinguished and distinguishing yourself. Being distinguished can sometimes refer to external features, you know, like looks, intelligence, talent, or even an eccentric personality. It's often something people associate with how you appear or the qualities that you were born with. But to distinguish yourself? Well, that's really something else entirely. That speaks to intention, effort, and choices. It's about what you do consistently and how you carry yourself, your attitude, your integrity, your response, and pressure-filled moments. That's exactly what we see in Daniel. The exceptional qualities that he displayed weren't foreign or mystical. They were a natural outpouring of his everyday faith in God. He had cultivated a life of consistent dependence on God, standing firm in his convictions even when it wasn't convenient. And that inner strength and reliability became visible to everyone around him, including powerful leaders and kings. As a result, Daniel earned greater influence, not by demanding it, but by simply living it out. He became someone others respected and relied on because he let God shape his character day by day. The transformation wasn't flashy, but it definitely was lasting. And that's incredibly encouraging for us too. This kind of growth and impact isn't reserved for spiritual giants or perfect Christians. It's available to anyone willing to surrender to God's process. Scripture speaks again and again about this kind of transformation where God takes ordinary people and makes their lives count in extraordinary ways, not because they were born great, but because they chose to follow him faithfully. In Second Corinthians 3, verse 17 and 18, it says, Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory are being transformed into his image with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. I really connect with this explanation of transformation. The Bible says the Lord is the Spirit, and the original word used for spirit in this context actually means fresh air. I mean, think about it. It means God breathes life into our everyday existence, much like he breathed life into Adam at creation. That same breath, his spirit, is still working in us today, offering freedom, purpose, and renewal. God's life-giving presence is what empowers us to grow and change. And what are we changing into? His likeness. We become more like him, reflecting his character, his love, and his truth. As this transformation takes place within us, we naturally carry that same freshness into the space around us. It isn't forced, it actually flows out of who we are becoming. And the beauty of it is that as people in our lives notice the change in us through our choices, our words, and our reactions, they begin to experience a piece of that transformation too. It starts inward, but it never stays there. God works in us and it becomes a ripple effect, influencing our families, our workplaces, and the broader culture. So the takeaway is simple. When we allow God to transform us, it doesn't just bless our own lives, we actually become agents of renewal to those around us. Letting God work in our hearts is not only a personal journey, it's part of His bigger plan to impact the world. Our current culture is in desperate need of something real, something life-giving that cuts through all the division, the anxiety, and the confusion. More than ever, people are searching for hope in a world that often feels heavy and turbulent. That's why it's so important for followers of Jesus to be carriers of that hope, that fresh air people who bring encouragement, peace, and clarity everywhere we go. In a world saturated with negativity and uncertainty, those who reflect the love and nature of Jesus can become a source of healing and inspiration. The more we align our lives with who Jesus is, the more others will be drawn to the hope found in God. This is how we reflect God's glory, not just by declaring it, but by living it out through our everyday interactions. But what does it really mean to look like Jesus in a practical way? We know from history that Jesus in his human form was a Jewish man who lived in the Middle East during the Roman Empire. We've seen countless artistic interpretations of him in films, paintings, and books, but of course we aren't called to physically look like him. Instead, we're called to mirror who he was in character and conduct. The Bible uses the word glory to describe what we were meant to carry, and that word literally translates to full weight. That means we are to represent the full weight of Christ's presence everywhere we go. It's not about putting on a show, it's about being so rooted in Christ that his nature overflows from how we speak, think, and act. So how can we practically do that? What does it mean to walk into a room bringing with us the full weight of Christ's presence? While the Bible describes this in many ways, one clear picture comes from the Apostle John's prophetic vision where specific qualities emerge that show us what it looks like to carry God's presence in real life. These qualities serve as markers for us to live by, so that day by day we start to look more like Jesus, not just in belief, but in behavior, and through that we become living representatives of God's transforming power. In Revelation chapter four, verses six through seven it says, In the center around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. This powerful imagery isn't just found in the New Testament. It also appears in the Old Testament. In the book of Ezekiel, the prophet has a vision where he catches a glimpse of God's glory. He describes what he sees in a striking symbolic way. He says their faces look like this. Each of them, the four, had a face of a human being, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox. Each also had the face of an eagle. That's Ezekiel one verse ten. A few verses later, Ezekiel concludes, This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. That's Ezekiel one verse twenty eight. What Ezekiel saw wasn't just a strange visual. It carried deep meaning. Those four faces represent different aspects or character traits of God, and ultimately of Jesus Himself. Each one symbolizes something unique about who he is, the humanity of Jesus, which is the human face, his strength and leadership, the lion, his humility and service, the ox, and his defined insight and heavenly perspective, the eagle. These traits give us a more complete picture of the nature of Christ. As followers of Jesus in today's culture, this vision has practical implications. These four faces can serve as a focus framework for us as we strive to reflect Jesus more clearly in our daily lives. They remind us that to truly represent Christ, we must embrace not just one aspect of his nature, but the fullness of who he is. By allowing God to develop these qualities in us, compassion, courage, servanthood, and spiritual discernment, we become more effective vessels of his presence in the world. When we live this way, we begin to influence our surroundings just like Daniel did. Even in a culture filled with compromise and confusion, Daniel stood out not for what he said alone, but for how he lived, how he carried himself and honored God through his character. And in the same way, we too can impact those around us when we live in a way that reflects the fullness of Christ. Throughout history, the lion has been a universal symbol of strength, dominance, and royal authority. From ancient empires to European kingdoms, lions have appeared on everything from flags and crest to palace gates and military insignia. Known as the King of the Jungle, the lion naturally became associated with leadership and courage. But for those of us who follow Jesus, our strength and authority doesn't come from titles or positions. They come from our relationship with God, the true supreme authority. When we draw near to Him, something begins to shift within us. That closeness produces boldness, not arrogance, but a quiet, courageous confidence. As Proverbs twenty eight verse one says, the righteous are as bold as a lion. This boldness represented by the lion's face symbolizes a spiritual strength that comes from knowing who we are in Christ and who He is in us. This lion like boldness is especially clear in the Gospel of John. While each gospel highlights different aspects of Jesus' identity and mission, John zeroes in on Jesus' divinity and power. Writing later in his life around AD ninety, John was deeply focused on helping believers understand that Jesus was not only fully human, but fully God. He was God in the flesh. John's gospel contains more detail about Jesus' final days leading to his crucifixion than any of the others, offering a clearer picture of Christ's glory and authority, even in suffering. Jesus is portrayed vividly as the Lion of Judah, the embodiment of divine power, walking in courageous obedience to the Father. At the same time, John's own life is a reflection of that transformation. Often referred to as the disciple whom Jesus loved, John's identity became shaped by the time he spent with Jesus. His deep love and devotion to Jesus grew into a lifelong commitment to spreading the gospel, even in the face of persecution and exile. The boldness that marks his life wasn't just a personality trait, it was the fruit of intimacy with Christ. We also see this in Acts 4.13, where others recognize the boldness of both Peter and John. It says that those around them were astonished when they noticed the courage of these two ordinary untrained men. What made the difference? Well, the people took note that these men had been with Jesus. Their courage wasn't taught or inherited, it was caught through personal encounter with the living God. In the same way as we spend time in God's presence, our trust in Him strengthens and boldness naturally rises in us. Not a loud or forceful kind of boldness, but the quiet courage to speak truth, live faithfully, and lead with love, even in the midst of cultural pressure. That's what it means to reflect the face of the lion, to carry God's authority with humility and strength rooted in a deep relationship with Him. John's gospel represented by the face of the Lion points us to a powerful truth. Staying connected to God is the foundation of everything in Christian life. Our strength, boldness, clarity, and purpose, they all flow from the depth of our relationship with Him. That kind of relationship grows through consistent intimacy, setting aside intentional time to pray, to fast, to read and study the scriptures, and to engage in worship. It is through these spiritual practices that we begin to reflect God's character and his glory in tangible ways. Just like spending time with a close friend changes how we talk, think, and respond, spending time with God shapes us to become more like Him. The more we sit in His presence, the more His Spirit works in us, producing qualities that others can see and be drawn to. Love, peace, boldness, and grace. People don't just hear about God when we speak, they see something of Him in our lives. So let's pause for a moment and reflect honestly. How much of your daily time is devoted to simply being with God? Are you intentionally positioning yourself to reflect His likeness wherever you go? Does that commitment show up in how you make decisions, how you treat others, and how you deal with challenges? If our desire is to impact the world around us, we must first allow God to transform the world within us. We can't hope to influence culture or bring about real change if we blend into our surroundings. We can't make a lasting difference if we're not different. And that difference starts in the quiet moments with God when we let Him shape us from the inside out. The second face of Jesus, the face of a man, is powerfully illustrated throughout the Gospel of Luke. In contrast to the face of the Lion, which emphasizes divine power and authority, the human face of Jesus reminds us of his personal earthly connection to people. Luke portrays Jesus as the Son of Man, highlighting both his humanity and his deep empathy for others. Right from the start, Luke traces Jesus' lineage all the way back to Adam, not just to Abraham like Matthew does, to emphasize that Jesus came for all mankind, not just one group or nation. Luke, a physician by trade, brings careful attention to detail in his gospel. Because of his medical background, he often uses precise language when describing Jesus' healings, showing us a Savior who is incredibly tuned to people's pain, both physical and emotional. He paints the most complete and orderly portrait of Jesus' earthly ministry, clearly written for an audience of thoughtful, educated Greek readers. His account includes unique stories like the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan, and gives us the most in-depth insight into Jesus' childhood and early life. But more than anything else, Luke zeroes in on the way Jesus interacted with people. He doesn't present Christ as distant or detached, but as fully present with those around him. Jesus healed both the rich and the poor, dined with the outcast, spent time with women, often overlooked in society, and constantly moved toward those most in need. He didn't shy away from people's messiness. Instead, he ran toward it. If we want to reflect the face of Jesus and make a lasting impact in our culture, we have to learn to be people-centered just like he was. It's about building real relationships, showing compassion and being willing to engage in the lives of people whose stories may look different from our own. But let's be honest, many of us may think, I'm not a people person. I'm quiet, introverted, or I just don't know what to say when things get spiritual. Well, while that feeling is understandable, it doesn't disqualify us. You don't have to be naturally outgoing to care. We may all relate in different ways, but we are all called to relate. Jesus' ministry revolved around people. He washed feet, fed huge crowds, touched the untouchable, and forgave those who others wouldn't. He modeled humility by always putting others before himself. And that's our example. We're not called to be above anyone. We're called to serve, to listen, and to meet people right where they are. To live this out, we need to see ourselves as part of something bigger than just our personal walk with God. We need each other. We're better together, and the world needs communities of faith that functions as teams, not just individuals. That means intentionally encouraging, protecting, respecting, and serving one another. It means honoring the trust we build and removing all the barriers that try to separate us, such as race, gender, generation, or background. Jesus didn't leave anyone out, and neither should we. In God's eyes, no one is an outsider. He created each person in his image and is actively pursuing every heart. If we're going to be agents of his love in a hurting world, we must learn to see people the way that he does. With eyes of compassion, with no favorites, and with open hearts ready to serve. This is the face of Jesus reflected through us, not just in belief, but in real daily relationships. This image has deep historical roots, as the eagle has long been considered a symbol of strength, royalty, and divine authority, even before the time of Jesus. Across history, eagles have appeared on ancient armor, coins, flags, and royal insignia. In Scripture as well, the eagle is always portrayed in a positive light. Verses such as Psalm 1035, Exodus nineteen four, and Isaiah forty, verse thirty one speak of the eagle as a metaphor for renewal, strength, and God's faithful care. Today, especially in the United States, the eagle is a national symbol of pride, freedom, and aspiration. It's featured on our currency, official government seals and monuments. But whether ancient or modern, the eagle continues to represent something higher, a pursuit of excellence, vision, and enduring strength. That makes it fitting that the gospel of Matthew has traditionally been associated with the face of the eagle. This gospel gives us a picture of Jesus not only as Savior, but as the promised Messiah, the long awaited king. Matthew's background as a tax collector and meticulous record keeper shines through in his writing style. Because he was accustomed to precision and accounting, his gospel reflects a careful attention to detail. He references the Old Testament more than any other gospel writer, making strategic connections between prophecy and fulfillment. His entire opening chapter, in fact, is dedicated to tracing Jesus' lineage all the way back to King David, establishing his rightful place as the Jewish Messiah. Writing to a primarily Jewish audience, Matthew wanted to provide clear evidence that Jesus was not just a wise teacher, but the promised Son of God. He strengthens his case by cross-referencing prophecy and history, presenting a comprehensive ordered account that would resonate with readers looking for proof. Matthew's pursuit of excellence isn't just about craftsmanship and writing. It's about purpose. He wanted nothing to distract from the identity and mission of Jesus. By presenting Jesus with clarity and reverence, Matthew challenges us as modern day followers of Christ to pursue excellence in our own lives. Not for our own recognition, but to reflect the greatness of the one we represent. At my church, this principle is highly valued. We believe excellence honors God and inspires people. Every detail, from the clean environment to the organized structure and warm interactions, is done with the intention of creating a space where people can encounter God more freely. When we go the extra mile in how we serve, lead and love, people notice. They feel cared for and respected, which opens their hearts to receive what God may want to speak into their lives. Living with excellence isn't about perfection. It's about doing the best with what we have, consistently pointing back to God as our source. It's about raising the standard and how we live, not to draw praise, but so others can see the wisdom, strength, and presence of God through us. What does this look like practically? Well, it means showing up with intention, arriving early, staying late, being prepared and reliable. It's about being proactive, seeing a need and meeting it before being asked. It's about serving with joy and integrity, taking ownership of the task and responsibilities placed in our hands. Whether it's helping someone carry a burden, stepping into a leadership role, or simply offering a kind word, excellence finds expression in countless, ordinary ways. As Christians, we are called to go beyond expectations. To serve more, give more, encourage more, find a need and fill it, find a hurt and help heal it. Surprise people with the love of Jesus. When we live like this, we display the face of Jesus, the eagle, lifting others higher and pointing every act of excellence back to the glory of God. The fourth and final Christ-like quality, symbolized by the ox, reveals something essential about our attitude, the need for faithful endurance, quiet strength, and unwavering trust in God. The ox throughout history has been recognized as a strong, dependable working animal, steady, resilient, and always moving forward. In a world prone to noise and chaos, that picture of perseverance might not seem glamorous, but it is vital. Jesus modeled this in his own life by remaining committed to God's calling, regardless of how misunderstood, judged, or even persecuted that he was. He continued steadfast and faithful, and through his perseverance countless lives were changed. This characteristic is beautifully reflected in the gospel of Mark. Written primarily to a Roman audience, Mark emphasizes action and movement, highlighting Jesus' miracles and tireless ministry. Mark was a close disciple of Peter, and so his gospel reads like Peter's own eyewitness account. Fast paced, direct, and full of power. In fact, Mark records more miracles than any of the other gospel writers, giving us a vivid picture of Jesus' ability to overcome every obstacle. These miracles include seventeen bodily cures, such as healing leprosy, paralysis, blindness, deafness, hemorrhaging, and high fevers, nine miracles over nature, including calming storms, multiplying food and walking on water. Six deliverances of individuals oppressed by demonic spirits, three resurrections, restoring people to life, and countless others who were healed through just a mere touch of Jesus or through him laying hands on them. But these miraculous moments weren't just about power. They revealed something deeper, a consistent, composed strength in overwhelming situations. Whether facing illness, natural disasters, demonic forces, or even death itself, Jesus never panicked. He operated with a calm that came from knowing who He was and who His source was. That same calm strength is available to us today through the Holy Spirit. No matter what situation we face, heartbreak, sickness, and unexpected loss, or cultural confusion, Jesus offers us the ability to endure. We may not always understand the path, but like the reliable ox, we can keep moving forward, step by step, knowing that God's yoke is easy and his burden is light. The apostle Paul understood this kind of perseverance. When opposition threatened to stop him, he pressed on. Even when told he'd be thrown in prison, Paul didn't flinch. It's in prison that Paul ministered to guards, wrote parts of the New Testament and worshiped through the night. You can read that in Acts 16, verse 25 to 31. He had discovered a truth that we also have access to. If he's alive, he's glorifying Christ. If he dies, he's with Christ. That is the ultimate win-win mindset. So where do you stand today? Are you overwhelmed by uncertainty or discouraged by what's happening in the culture around you? Take a moment to reflect. Have you let your circumstances define your attitude? The truth is, no matter how turbulent our surroundings may be, we are called to be influencers, to bring peace, not panic, hope, not fear. As Jeremiah 15 9 reminds us, you must influence them, do not let them influence you. This calls for personal examination. Are we carrying burdens that we haven't surrendered? Are worry, fear, or resentment clouding our ability to walk in purpose? We must take all of it, our doubts, our hurts, our fatigue, and lay it at the feet of Jesus. Choose to rest in his peace no matter the situation and become the kind of steady presence that breathes life into every room that you enter. This is what real faith looks like in action, not just enduring, but showing up with hope. It means not adding to the world's problems, but becoming part of the solution. It's about letting the consistent peace of Christ shine through how we live day to day, in big moments and small ones alike. Ultimately, the power of influence doesn't come from what we say, it comes from how we live. Across Scripture we see Jesus engage a culture that was just as divided, confused, and resistant as ours is today. Just like the early followers of Jesus who long to make a difference in their world, may we also pray that the faith we share shows itself through the goodness of our actions, and that others see Christ clearly through how we live. A good scripture to reference that is Philemon 1 verse 6. That right there is the heart of true influence. It's not just about what we believe, but about how that belief translates into the way that we live, serve, and lead. That's why these four Christ-like qualities that we've explored aren't just ideals. They're foundations we are building into the culture of our lives, our faith, and our church. So as we wrap up today's episode, let this be your takeaway. Real influence isn't loud, flashy, or forced. It's bold, grounded, compassionate, excellent, and steady. Just like Jesus. When we reflect his courage like the lion, his compassion like the man, his pursuit of excellence like the eagle, and his perseverance like the ox, we become people who stand firm and love well in today's ever-changing world. Love God, love people, do everything with excellence, have a good attitude. It's that simple. Let's get for this week's episode of Connecting the Gap. We'll be back with our final episode of this series next week that we've called Unshaken, holding fast in a culture of compromise. As we go, just want to remind you that we believe that God's word never fails us. God's word has stood the test of time, and through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap. This is an extension of Connecting the Gap Ministries. We pray that you have a blessed week.