Good Morning Friends,
Influence has been defined by some as the power or capacity of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command. And this power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways may need some science to connect the dots. In a way influence sounds a bit like the Holy Spirit in the way it focuses on hearts and changes people from within. This sways thoughts, perceptions, and values. As a result, influence also has the power to change behavior, but wait minute, that behavior can be either good or bad and that does not sound like the Holy Spirit, at least for the bad part. For we can be under the influence of alcohol and drugs or under the influence of the great physician. On balance I would suggest that influence is a spiritual force and sometimes a tangible palpable force that can be applied either positively or negatively, all based on relationships and at least in part on our response to them. So, this is about how we are influenced and influence others in the process of our life. But there is a question you might be pondering and that I am as well, given that we have all been influenced and have influenced others. Where Does The Power of Influence Come From?
Scripture: Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 1 (NRSV)
For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.
James 3:16-4:3 (NRSV)
They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
Mark 9:30-37 (NRSV)
Message: As Christians we are to be like salt and light, and if we are, we soon realize that to influence others is both a privilege and a great responsibility. We need to treat our ability to influence others with holy respect, as God will demand an account from us regarding the influence, we exercised on others by being of not being Christians. The reality is that we can be part of a movement that is good or evil and the nature of the reality may not immediately be obvious. We can be tricked and double crossed. You see, we are exposed to all sorts of things and the length and strength of what we have in our environment creates an effect that can be a toxin or a tonic. The influence can take place in a direct or indirect way. It can be hidden or open. It can be positive or negative. But what we are mostly exposed to, will influence us to a greater degree. And yet some sources of influence will likely be more powerful than others. At some crucial stages or places in life we are more susceptible to influence, for example early childhood and the teenage years. There are times in life when we have little or no control over the things or people that influence us. It does not stay that way forever. There comes a time when we can take charge of what comes in and what goes out of our lives. We are to take charge over what we are exposed to, so we might minimize evil and maximize godly influences.
And So, allow the Holy Spirit to become a compelling force in your life to produce effects on your actions, behavior, opinions, and lifestyle in ways that guide the attitudes, character, habits, and dispositions of others. Overcome the power of the world. Begin doing things that are pleasing to God. Watch actions and behaviors and seek to conform them to the truth. Avoid bad influences. Choose wisely and learn to love. We are to glorify God. Friends, know that when you are filled with the Holy Spirit you can live under the influence of a power that can give you an abundant life.
Pray we have had parents that have influenced us for good. Pray
that we excel at having a good influence on others. Pray we realize the importance of having good influences in our lives. Pray we recognize the patterns of influence in our lives and the nature of their effect on our soul. Pray we are surrounded by the kind of influence that makes our life more complete. Pray we surrounded by the kind of influence that prompts us to do the right things. Pray we are connected to the greatest power in the universe in thought, mind, and actions. Pray our nurturing overcomes our nature. Pray we are influenced by the Holy Spirit to mature in the faith. Pray the Word becomes flesh in us. Pray we realize that God is in charge and that we are not. Pray regardless that God use us to accomplish a divine will. Pray we are influenced by the greatest love in the universe…God.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 