Who Are People of Influence?

TIME Magazine recently published its annual list of the “Most Influential People of 2025.” For over two decades TIME has produced this list along with the person of the year who they believe shape, influence, and transform our lives.

Predicably President Donald Trump is on the list, including six members of his administration. Members on the list hail from 32 countries and contain familiar entertainers like Snoop Dog and Demi Moore. Included are sports celebrities like Olympic Champion Simone Biles, and NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts.

In addition there are people from science and technology, business leadership, corporate CEO’s, and journalists. Also there are a number of people who I’ve never heard of.

This annual list always raises the question, “Who are really the people who have influenced your life?”

While politicians can enact laws and promote policies that impact our lives, how big of an influence do they really have? Of course, depending on our interests, we’re captivated by the super star athlete. The musician. The movie star. The politically powerful. The bizarre lifestyle. And the rich and famous who grace the pages of People magazine. They make news. Influence public opinion. And are followed by millions on social media.

Again. who are the true influencers in your life?

Recently, I was back home in Indiana for a meeting and was reminded of those who shaped my life. Teachers, like my first grade teacher, Mrs. Nicholson and High School speech teacher, Judy Everhart. Coaches, like my cross-country and basketball coach, Carl Short. Preachers who taught, mentored, and influenced my spiritual life like Aude McKee. Elders in the church like Thomas Long.

Of course, my parents Roy and Mattie Weliever, unknown by the world, shaped my beliefs and values. They taught me to be honest. Tell the truth. Work hard. Respect authority. Be frugal. Apply the Golden Rule in the way I treated others. Obey the rules. Be nice. Love God and put Him first in my life.

In addition there were preachers and teachers who influenced my ministry and preaching. I learned that a good sermon need not be long to be effective from Robert Jackson. I learned humor from James P. Miller. Effective communication from my speech teacher Bob Owen. Biblical exegesis from C. D. Hamilton. Insight into the Old Testament prophets from Homer Hailey. And countless others who have touched my life in a positive way.

These people never made Time’s list or appeared in People Magazine. But I think of the many people they influenced. And how many have they influenced who inlfuenced others, who also influenced others? By the way, I don’t believe I saw any preachers, pastors, or Bible scholars on the TIME100 list.

For those who us who call ourselves Christians, we have to return to the One who has wielded the greatest influence of all–Jesus Christ. Twenty centuries have come and gone, yet He still continues to impact our world, thought, values, culture, religion, and even the way we mark time.

The 19th century German theologian Philip Schaff offered this tribute to Jesus’ influence.

“Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander the Great, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon; without science and learning, he shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined; without the eloquence of school, he spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since, and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet; without writing a single line, he set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, learned volumes, works of art, and songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times.”

Even the prolific English author, H. G. Wells, who wasn’t a Christian, admitted this truth. “I am an historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.”

May each of us be reminded who the true influencers really are. And let us realize we all have the ability to exert influence. To make a difference. To touch the lives of young people. To set a godly example before our friends, neighbors, and relatives. Jesus’ admonition from His famous mountain message speaks to the ability and importance of our influence.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” Matt 5:14-16).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman