My Territory and My Influence (Part 2)
Territory and Influence Defined
Influence, as previously explored, is the ability to take charge of a sphere or group of people, shaping their lives and outcomes. It acts as a seed, planted in every individual, which can grow to impact others either positively or negatively.
Territory, on the other hand, refers to an organized area where people exist under a defined system of control, responsibility, and function. While this literal definition is relevant, in this context, a territory is not limited to physical boundaries—it encompasses roles, spheres of activity, and domains of purpose.
Your Role in Territorial Influence
Everyone is imbued with a measure of influence. Whether you realize it or not, your life continually affects others in some way. This influence stems from the unique gifts and talents your Creator has invested in you. These gifts are not for selfish use but are meant to fulfill a divine assignment: to take territories for a higher purpose.
In the Holy Book, Luke 19:13 recounts the call to "occupy till I come." This implies that the Creator has entrusted you with responsibilities, potentials, and assignments that are essential for transforming the spaces you inhabit. Your fulfillment is tied to your ability to use these gifts to make a meaningful impact in your designated territory.
Casual vs. Purpose-Driven Influence
Territorial influence can be approached from two angles:
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Casual Influence:
This is the impact you have through normal, everyday activities, including social interactions, religious practices, and other routine engagements. While these influences may seem ordinary, they significantly shape the territories we occupy today. -
Purpose-Driven Influence:
This type of influence is rooted in a deep understanding of your divine purpose. It goes beyond casual interactions to make a lasting mark on your generation. This article focuses on the purpose-driven approach.
The Concept of Territories
Loren Cunningham (YWAM) and Bill Bright (Campus Crusade & Life Ministry) identified seven territories—or "mountains of influence"—where individuals play distinct roles in shaping society. These mountains are:
- Government (Power): Represents leadership, decision-making, and authority.
- Economy (Riches): Focuses on business, wealth creation, and resource management.
- Education (Wisdom): Centers on learning, knowledge dissemination, and intellectual development.
- Religion (Honor): Concerns spiritual guidance and moral influence.
- Arts and Entertainment (Glory): Encompasses creativity, culture, and leisure activities.
- Media (Blessings): Represents information dissemination and shaping public opinion.
- Family (Building): Focuses on relationships, nurturing, and foundational values.
Key Realities About Territories
- You Are Sent for a Mission: Your unique gifts and potential are meant to serve a specific territory.
- True Fulfillment Lies in Your Territory: Fulfillment comes from operating where you are meant to be.
- Your Territory Is Waiting: Your arrival in your territory brings transformation and solutions.
- Misplaced Effort Leads to Failure: Thriving outside your designated territory can result in eventual failure.
- Generations Depend on You: Others are waiting to benefit from the influence you bring.
- Destiny Is Linked to Your Territory: Achieving your purpose requires finding and thriving in your territory.
How to Identify Your Territory
Locating your territory—or mountain of influence—requires understanding your life’s purpose and passion. Consider the following steps:
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Discover Your Purpose:
Your Creator designed you for a specific assignment. Reflect on your talents, values, and innate abilities to uncover your purpose. -
Examine Your Passion:
Passion often points toward your territory. For instance, if you are passionate about business, your mountain might be the economy. If you naturally lead and influence others, you could belong to the government mountain. -
Evaluate Your Impact:
Pay attention to the areas where people naturally gravitate toward your influence. These may hint at your designated sphere of impact. -
Stay True to Your Calling:
Once you locate your territory, commit to it wholeheartedly. Avoid distractions and focus on fulfilling your purpose within your designated space.
Final Thoughts
Your territory is the sphere where you can achieve destiny fulfillment and make a transformative impact. The investment within you is designed to benefit that specific domain. By identifying and operating in your rightful territory, you ensure that your influence leaves an indelible mark for generations.
Thank you for reading.
©2020 A.S Tadobo
Sam Thardos Consult