Influence like Barnabas

Barnabas, whose name means son of encouragement, was well respected and influential. After Saul of Tarsus was converted, he came to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid, refusing to believe that he was a follower of Christ. Barnabas was the one who brought Saul to the apostles, declaring to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, had spoken to him, and was preaching boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:26-27

The ability to persuade certain ones in Jerusalem that the chief persecutor of the church was now preaching boldly in the name of Jesus, testifies to the power of influence Barnabas possessed. How influential are we and for what do we use our influence?