Influence

We naturally gravitate to individuals who bring life and happiness to a conversation, meeting or social event. The energy and magnetism that a person communicates with their words, mannerisms and body language can be easily interpreted as positive or not.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
─ Proverbs 15:13 NIV

Before any person wrote to this topic, God had already created humanity to interpret communication, and He had already provided us instruction through His Word on how to be uplifting.

You’re probably familiar with the following idioms:
“The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.”
“Like father like son.”
“Like mother like daughter.”
“Chip off the old block.”
Little pitchers have big ears.”

Let your influence shape and mold others, pointing them to God.

These sayings reference the development of a child, youth or close friend influenced by a person who has journeyed with them. This influential person could have been a parent, grandparent, family friend or teacher. The idioms attempt to convey the influence someone has had on another person’s life, typically a younger person. The emphasis here is not on the idiom but on the power of influence and nurturing. The power of influence can help shape and mold – not just children and youth, but also many others.

In Colossians 3:23-24, God reminds us that in all the opportunities we have at work, school, church, sporting events, … do all you do the best you can. Work as if you are doing it for the Lord, play as though you are playing for the Lord, speak as though you are speaking directly to God.

Both believers in Christ and non-believers learn by the influence and communication of others. We are all in His creation together. The Creator has given us the authority to influence and do so in a positive way. Proverbs 18:21 teaches us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Will you love and influence others by using your words wisely?

Today’s One Thing

Silence your mind during your prayer time and ask the Lord to reveal your positive qualities that bring joy, happiness and delight to others. Commit to not giving up in bringing positive influence on your circle of people and allow the Lord to work in your life to help communicate your joyful heart in an attempt to bring “good medicine” to others.

Go Deeper

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