The bleachers were unusually full as I prepared for the final round of a big horse show jumping competition. I was leading my division in first place and confident in my chances for the overall win. As I was warming up, people were pointing me out as the girl in the lead. A group of fan girls lined up along the ringside to follow my every move. An unusual amount of people were even taking my picture! It felt good to be a winner.

As I made my way to the other end of the ring, none of the cameras followed me. I looked over my shoulder to see every eye fixed on Mary-Kate Olsen. Yes, that Mary-Kate Olsen, as in the twin from every 90’s movie I ever loved and the creator of a New York fashion empire. I may have been in the lead, but all of the attention was on someone way bigger than me. I was never the main focus, just a photo-bomber standing in the way of Full House fandom.

This humbling moment taught me a really important lesson in leadership: It’s always about something so much bigger than me.

When Jesus’s time on earth came to an end, the disciples were left to lead the Church and spread the gospel without His physical guidance. God knew the they would need another way to understand what He was calling them to do, so He sent His Holy Spirit to fill their hearts and guide them in supernatural ways. The Holy Spirit immediately empowered the believers to speak in all different languages. This drew a crowd of international travelers who were visiting Jerusalem for a big Harvest Festival.

READ Acts 2:5-6; 12-14
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken… Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say…”

Two things come to mind when I read this passage. First of all, it wasn’t just the 12 disciples who were gifted with the Holy Spirit so that they could lead others. “All of them,” meaning every Christian that was gathered, was gifted with the Holy Spirit. This reveals something so important for Christians. If you are a follower of Jesus, you are a leader. God wants to help you make a difference in this world so much that he sent his Spirit to live in you and guide you! God will empower you to do considerably more than you could ever dream or hope of doing on your own.

The second thing I notice is how all of the disciples stood up before Peter addressed the crowd. I imagine they were looking at each other, wondering who was going to say something. Up until about two months ago, Jesus did all the talking. Imagine being the guy who has to take over the preaching duties that were previously covered by Jesus? Peter boldly stepped up to explain to all these foreigners that they were witnessing a miracle from God.

Peter had the platform to preach to thousands of people. When he stepped up to address this international audience, he became an instant ancient influencer. Harvest Festival attendees from all over the Roman Empire were now going to know who Peter was. He could have promoted himself as the new guy in charge now that Jesus was in Heaven, or he could have promoted his practical sandals and all-natural skincare routine. Instead, Peter used his platform to point people to Jesus.

READ Acts 2:38-41
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Rather than using his newfound fame to change his own life, Peter used his influence to lead three thousand people to eternal life with Jesus! Peter knew this moment was about something way bigger than himself: it was all about Jesus.

As Christians, we are called to use our influence for a greater purpose. We don’t seek leadership positions for the fame, self-promotion, or clout. We are on a mission to make Jesus famous. If you want to have a real impact, focus on the bigger picture.

You don’t have to become a pastor or preach to thousands of people to make a difference. It’s often small, humble moments of leadership that are massively impactful in God’s eyes. You may think you’re just inviting someone to church, but God knows you’re leading someone towards finding hope in Jesus. You may think you’re just sticking up for someone who deserved to be defended, but God knows you’re exemplifying His love to someone who really needed to feel cared for. You may think you’re just posting a Bible verse on social media, but God knows you’re inspiring someone with scripture that gives them the strength to keep going.

You can only see what your work is accomplishing in the present, but God sees your work in the context of eternity. Try to lead from a Godly perspective that focuses on a bigger picture. Rely on the Holy Spirit to lead you towards incredible opportunities to glorify God. Small, humble acts of leadership can have huge eternity-changing results.

TALK IT OUT
Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.
Q1: Who is your favorite influencer to follow on social media and why?
Q2: Why is humility so important for Christians?
Q3: Have you ever seen someone use his or her fame to glorify Jesus? How?
Q4: Have you ever been brought closer to God by something someone else did that they probably didn’t even realize was significant to you?
Q5: Do you think you’ve been using your influence to glorify God or yourself more? Why?
Q6: What’s something you feel like God is prompting you to do this week that will humbly make your life more about Him?