Who is influencing you? Jeff challenges us to examine who and what is influencing our thoughts, conversations, and families in an age of endless information and social media. Drawing from Gaudium et Spes and Philippians 4, he offers a Christ-centered filter for what we consume, share, and say. Ultimately, we are called not to chase controversy or likes, but to become true influencers for Jesus Christ.
Main Themes
1. We are all being influenced
Whether we realize it or not, the voices we listen to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Jeff encourages us to be intentional about who and what we allow to influence ourselves and our children.
2. What makes a true Catholic influencer?
Simply identifying as Catholic does not automatically mean that someone is influencing others for Christ. A Catholic communicator should point people toward Jesus and speak with truth, justice, kindness, mercy, and love.
3. Pay attention to the fruit
Jeff encourages us to evaluate the content we consume by its effects. Does it lead to peace, holiness, charity, and a deeper love for Christ—or does it leave us discouraged, angry, anxious, or judgmental?
4. Take custody of your words
Our words have consequences. Jeff shares his own experience of realizing that he was too quick to comment on the news and other people's opinions, and how intentionally taking custody of his speech changed his outlook.
5. Technology requires spiritual maturity
Drawing from Gaudium et Spes, Jeff reflects on how rapidly advancing technology and culture can create an imbalance when our spiritual growth does not keep pace with the amount of information we consume.
6. Use Philippians 4:8 as a filter
Before consuming or sharing something, Jeff encourages us to ask whether it is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent, and worthy of praise. This can become a practical filter for what we watch, listen to, think about, and share.
7. We are called to influence others for Christ
Christians are called to be witnesses—not simply to accumulate information or win arguments. Our ultimate goal should be holiness and helping others encounter Jesus Christ.
Scripture References
- Philippians 4:4–8 — Rejoice in the Lord and set your mind on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent, and worthy of praise.
- Matthew 7:16 — “You will know them by their fruits.” Jeff uses this principle to encourage listeners to evaluate the fruit produced by the voices they follow.
- Philippians 4:6–7 — Bring anxieties to God through prayer and thanksgiving, trusting in the peace of God.
Church Document
- Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes, §4 — Jeff reflects on the Church's observation that humanity was entering a new stage of history marked by profound and rapid cultural and technological change.
Questions for Reflection
- Who or what has the greatest influence on the way I think?
- Does the content I consume draw me closer to Christ or leave me anxious, angry, or discouraged?
- Am I taking custody of my words, especially when discussing controversial topics?
- Is there an imbalance between the information I consume and the time I spend in Scripture, prayer, and the lives of the saints?
- Before I share something, can I honestly say that it is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent, or worthy of praise?
- How can I use my influence to point others toward Jesus Christ?
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