Position, Status and Influence in Life

A person's standing in life carries both profound opportunity and significant accountability. Whether through formal authority, social influence, or quiet personal example, the positions we hold shape not only our own paths but the lives of those around us. Scripture calls us to examine carefully how we use these places of prominence, reminding us that true greatness is found in humble service rather than self-exaltation.

The Trust and Temptation of Position

Position in life provides the capacity to influence, help, guide and bring about beneficial change as we serve others. When exercised with wisdom and integrity, authority becomes a means of protection, provision and encouragement for the community. Unfortunately, this power of position can also lead to corruption, with abuse of that right—using acquired influence, control or wealth to make unethical or morally wrong decisions, and exploiting the disadvantaged and poor through manipulation, making them dependent and subservient (1 Kgs 21:1-15). Self-centred pride has been the reason for the demise of many in places of prominence and promising leadership (Prov 16:18).

History bears tragic witness to how frequently those entrusted with authority betray that trust for personal gratification. Whether through embezzlement, bribery, oppressive taxation, or the misappropriation of resources, financial corruption stains the record of leadership across every civilization and institution. Equally devastating is the abuse of power in the sexual realm, where influence and authority become tools of coercion, harassment, and exploitation. Such sin not only destroys victims and corrodes communities but also brings reproach upon the name of Christ when it occurs among those claiming religious authority. Scripture warns sternly against shepherds who feed themselves rather than the flock, and against those who wield authority as a cloak for wickedness (Ezek 34:2-4; 2 Pet 2:1-3,18-19).

We are to respect the position or office of those in legitimate authority, but no one is exempt from being accountable to others, both higher and lower in the various strata of society. Regardless of whatever position or occupation we have in life, we are all created equal before God, all are in need of a Saviour, and so we should pray for others irrespective of their status in life (1 Tim 2:1-2). The Bible's message is clear: do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low standing in life and willing to do menial work (Rom 12:16). We should humbly review ourselves to see if our attitudes, actions and words glorify Jesus.

Accountability accompanies every position of influence

We must respect legitimate authority while recognising that every position carries the weight of accountability to both God and people.

Servanthood as True Greatness

Jesus didn't regard His status in life as being superior to that of sinners, saying He "did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many". He stated the benchmark of greatness in the Kingdom of God is being a servant, in humility meeting the needs of others for "Many who are first will be last, and the last first"—the opposite to human reasoning (Mk 10:31,43-45). When the disciples asked who is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven, Jesus replied, "Whoever humbles himself as this child is greatest" (Mt 18:4). Trust and dependency are characteristics of children.

As Christians, we are to be role models, examples for others to follow, using our influence and position to help those in need, providing direction and encouragement where required, rather than just bettering our own lot in life.

Use your position in life to glorify God

Positioning Yourself for Purpose

Position yourself to receive divine blessing by obedience and wise choices. Be submissive and obedient so God can position you as He sees fit. God placed Joseph in the position of Governor in Egypt so that he could make the provision that saved many people from starvation (Gen 41:38-44, 50:20).

When God grants favour and opens doors of opportunity, humility demands that we recognise it is the Lord's doing and not our own. Joseph never claimed personal credit for his ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams; instead, he pointed to God as the source of wisdom and revelation (Gen 41:16). Scripture repeatedly warns against forgetting the Lord when success comes, reminding us that it is God who gives us the ability to produce wealth and achieve influence (Deut 8:18). We did not choose our gifts, our timing, our place of birth, or the doors that have opened before us—every good position is a trust received from His hand. Therefore, those who find themselves elevated must resist the temptation of self-sufficiency and continue in utter dependence upon Christ, acknowledging that apart from Him we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). Paul captured this posture perfectly when he declared that whatever success he experienced was not his own labour alone but the grace of God working within him (1 Cor 15:10). True stability in any position is found not in our competence or connections but in daily, conscious reliance upon the One who placed us there.

Our present position or circumstance doesn't have to necessarily determine our future; through a determined choice, coupled with commitment and perseverance with a clear goal to aim for, it is possible to chart out a new course; this applies both to this life and most importantly to the next.

It doesn't matter so much in life where we are, rather in which direction we are moving – is it closer to Christ or further from Him?

The Seven Mountains Mandate

The New Apostolic Reformation advances a teaching commonly known as the "Seven Mountains Mandate," asserting that Christians are called to dominate seven key spheres of society—religion, family, education, government, media, arts and entertainment, and business. Proponents claim that occupying these positions of cultural power will force societal transformation and hasten Christ's return. This ideology frames influence as territorial conquest, urging believers to climb each mountain until godly leaders control the heights of culture.

Yet this framework frequently confuses spiritual authority with political domination, substituting servanthood for control and humility for hierarchy. Jesus explicitly rejected worldly models of power, stating that His Kingdom is not of this world (Jn 18:36). Believers are called to be salt and light through witness, love and integrity, not through coercion or enforced religiosity (Mt 5:13-16). While Christians should certainly engage every sector of society with excellence, the goal is not to capture cultural strongholds but to glorify God and serve neighbours faithfully. True mountain-moving faith is exercised through prayer, dependence on God and Christ-like character (Mt 17:20), not through the accumulation of status and control.

Seek first the Kingdom of God, not cultural control

Spiritual influence is never a mandate for domination; it is an invitation to reflect Jesus through humble, faithful presence in every sphere of life.

Reflection and Application:

In what areas of your life has God given you influence, and how are you using it to serve others?
Are there attitudes of pride or self-importance that you need to bring into submission to Christ?
How can you demonstrate humility this week in your workplace, family, or community?
What steps can you take to ensure your position points others toward Jesus rather than yourself?