A well-known elderly evangelist enjoyed unprecedented access to at least nine United States Presidents. Although he never held political office, his power of influence was significant. As a trusted advisor and confidante, he impacted important decisions.
Influence is commonly defined as "the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others." This power of influence is clearly exemplified in an interesting historic narrative found in 2 Chronicles 24. Here we read about a seven-year-old boy named Joash who became king (verse 1). We read that "Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest." (verse 2). Notice if DIDN'T say he did right all the days of his life; only during the lifetime of a priest named Jehoida.
Notice verse 17: "But after the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and bowed down to the king, and the king listened to them." In short order, the king was influenced to abandon forsake the true and living God and worship false gods. Tragically, King Joash even murdered the son of the prophet Jehoida when the Spirit of God moved him to speak out against their sinful ways (verses 20-22).
Never underestimate the power of influence - for good and for evil. There are those we have allowed to influence us. It is imperative that we we carefully and prayerfully determine if the influence is for good or for evil.
We each have a sphere of influence. There are those around us who are attuned to our opinions and thoughts. As such, our influence is a sacred trust; we can use it constructively, or abuse it for evil.
Jesus exemplified influence. A close look a the gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - reveal that Jesus' greatest impact was the influence of his life upon those closest to him for three and a half years. We call that influence, "discipleship", and it is indeed a powerful force. It is deliberate, intensive influence in pouring one's spiritual priorities and disciplines into the life of someone else.
I've spent most of my adult life in church pastoral ministry, and I have come to realize that my greatest impact and influence has not been from the pulpit or in the classroom, but in the lives of those I have walked most closely with. Informal conversation, and engaging together in spiritual activities, seems to have thus far made the greatest difference.
Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is about making disciples. It's really not as hard as we might think. It ultimately is exerting the power of influence over those most receptive to us such that they become dedicated followers of Christ who will do the same with others (2 Timothy 2:2).
Assess the influence you have been allowed with others. Determine to focus your spiritual passion and priorities such that they can be caught and taught by those receptive to you. Allow our Father to use the mighty power of influence to serve his kingdom purposes in and through you.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
Influence is commonly defined as "the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others." This power of influence is clearly exemplified in an interesting historic narrative found in 2 Chronicles 24. Here we read about a seven-year-old boy named Joash who became king (verse 1). We read that "Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest." (verse 2). Notice if DIDN'T say he did right all the days of his life; only during the lifetime of a priest named Jehoida.
Notice verse 17: "But after the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and bowed down to the king, and the king listened to them." In short order, the king was influenced to abandon forsake the true and living God and worship false gods. Tragically, King Joash even murdered the son of the prophet Jehoida when the Spirit of God moved him to speak out against their sinful ways (verses 20-22).
Never underestimate the power of influence - for good and for evil. There are those we have allowed to influence us. It is imperative that we we carefully and prayerfully determine if the influence is for good or for evil.
We each have a sphere of influence. There are those around us who are attuned to our opinions and thoughts. As such, our influence is a sacred trust; we can use it constructively, or abuse it for evil.
Jesus exemplified influence. A close look a the gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - reveal that Jesus' greatest impact was the influence of his life upon those closest to him for three and a half years. We call that influence, "discipleship", and it is indeed a powerful force. It is deliberate, intensive influence in pouring one's spiritual priorities and disciplines into the life of someone else.
I've spent most of my adult life in church pastoral ministry, and I have come to realize that my greatest impact and influence has not been from the pulpit or in the classroom, but in the lives of those I have walked most closely with. Informal conversation, and engaging together in spiritual activities, seems to have thus far made the greatest difference.
Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is about making disciples. It's really not as hard as we might think. It ultimately is exerting the power of influence over those most receptive to us such that they become dedicated followers of Christ who will do the same with others (2 Timothy 2:2).
Assess the influence you have been allowed with others. Determine to focus your spiritual passion and priorities such that they can be caught and taught by those receptive to you. Allow our Father to use the mighty power of influence to serve his kingdom purposes in and through you.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
posted by steve @ 9:25 AM
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