Which Circle Do You Belong To? Circle of Concern or Circle of Influence?

Influence
Character
Legacy
TB Joshua
Jesus Christ
The way you respond to your circumstances will determine which circle you belong to. Your response is what shapes your future and defines your legacy.
Author

Sammy Egot

Published

April 7, 2024

Which Circle Do You Belong To? Circle of Concern or Circle of Influence?

Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:18-21, Proverbs 4:25-27

The Two Circles

There are two types of people in the world:

  1. Those in the Circle of Concern

  2. Those in the Circle of Influence

The way you respond to your circumstances will determine which circle you belong to. Your response is what shapes your future and defines your legacy.

1. The Circle of Concern

Characteristics of the Circle of Concern

  • Blame and Criticism:
    People in this circle constantly blame others for their circumstances. They spend their time criticizing, gossiping, and replying to accusers.

  • No Real Values:
    They focus on pleasing men rather than living by Godly principles. Their actions are driven by immediate gratification and short-term gains.

  • Rhetoric and Eloquence:
    They are popular for their words but lack the substance of meaningful action.

  • Victim Mentality:
    They never take responsibility for their words or actions, choosing instead to live in self-pity.

  • Limited Impact:
    Because their focus is on pleasing men rather than God, they remain “local champions” with no lasting legacy.

Biblical Perspective:

  • Proverbs 29:11:
    “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”

  • People in the Circle of Concern are like the “fool” in this verse—they waste energy on pointless criticism and negativity.

2. The Circle of Influence

Characteristics of the Circle of Influence

  • Focus on Values:
    People in this circle live by principles rooted in God’s Word. Their actions reflect their faith and commitment to Christ.

  • Driven by God’s Position:
    They do not act based on emotions or opinions but based on what God says about the situation.

  • Prayers Instead of Criticism:
    Instead of responding to accusers or critics with words, they respond with prayer and forgiveness.

    • Matthew 5:44:
      “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

  • Future Gains Over Present Gains:
    Their focus is on eternal rewards from God rather than short-term popularity or approval from men.

  • Global Impact:
    Their influence grows because they focus on meaningful actions and living in alignment with God’s will.

Biblical Perspective:

  • Romans 12:18-21:
    “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

  • People in the Circle of Influence overcome evil with good, trusting God to handle their challenges.

Example: T.B. Joshua

A Man of God in the Circle of Influence

T.B. Joshua is a powerful example of someone who focused on his Circle of Influence:

  • While his accusers wasted time criticizing him, he expanded his influence with God.

  • Instead of responding to their accusations, he prayed for them and remained focused on his mission.

  • As a result, God announced him on the global stage, and his legacy continues to inspire millions.

The Principle of Great Men

  • Great men don’t waste time replying to critics; they let their actions and legacies speak for them.

  • They focus on doing the will of God and expanding their Circle of Influence.

  • Proverbs 4:25-27:
    “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

Which Circle Do You Belong To?

Ask yourself:

  • Am I spending my time criticizing, blaming, and focusing on others?

  • Or am I focusing on becoming the person God has called me to be and influencing my world for His glory?

Remember: If you focus on expanding your Circle of Influence, your actions will eventually silence your critics, and your legacy will speak for itself.

How to Expand Your Circle of Influence

1. Focus on God’s Word

  • Spend time reading, meditating on, and acting on the Bible.

  • Joshua 1:8:
    “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

2. Pray for Your Critics

  • Don’t waste time replying to accusers. Instead, pray for them and trust God to handle the situation.

3. Take Responsibility for Your Actions

  • Stop blaming others and take ownership of your choices.

  • Proverbs 24:16:
    “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”

4. Focus on Eternal Rewards

  • Live with eternity in mind, seeking God’s approval rather than man’s.

  • Colossians 3:23-24:
    “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”

A Prayer to Belong to the Circle of Influence

“Lord Jesus, I thank You for reminding me of the importance of focusing on my Circle of Influence. Forgive me for the times I’ve wasted blaming others or responding to criticism. Help me to live by Your principles and to focus on what truly matters—pleasing You and expanding my influence for Your glory. Teach me to pray for my critics and to trust You with every situation. May my life leave a legacy that brings honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Final Encouragement

  • Stop focusing on the Circle of Concern. Criticism and blame will only limit your growth.

  • Start focusing on your Circle of Influence. Let your actions, prayers, and faith expand your impact.

  • God will announce you when the time is right, just as He did for T.B. Joshua and other great men of faith.

Declaration

“I refuse to waste time in the Circle of Concern. I will focus on my Circle of Influence by living according to God’s Word, taking responsibility for my actions, and praying for my critics. My life will leave a lasting legacy for God’s glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Let this blog stir your spirit. Share it with someone who needs to hear this today, and continue your walk with God in deeper intimacy at www.spiritworshipgen.org.

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References

Which Circle Do You Belong To? Circle of Concern or Circle of Influence?