Maximizing The Blessings Of Godly Influence

MAXIMISING THE BLESSINGS OF GODLY INFLUENCE

Study Text: Psalms 1 : 1 - 3

Introduction:

- Influence is the power or capacity of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command. It is the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways to produce a desired result, to impact, or to cause some changes to take place.

- Influence focuses on hearts and changes people from within. It sways their thoughts, their perceptions, and their values. As a result, influence also has the power to change behaviour.

- Where does this kind of power come from? Influence is a spiritual force that can be applied either positively or negatively. Influences that affect our lives are only one side of the coin. The other is all about the influence that we have on others.

- To influence others is both a privilege and a great responsibility. We need to treat this with holy respect, as God will demand an account from us regarding the influence we exercised on others.

- The force that is at work through influence is called exposure. Two things govern the influence, namely time (length of exposure) and the strength of the source. Influence is thus a result of exposure to a source that emits a certain power and effect. This can take place in a direct or indirect way, hidden or openly, positively or negatively.

- What you are mostly exposed to, will influence you the most. Some sources are 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. Take charge over influence as much as you can! Minimise or avoid ungodly, unwholesome influence; maximise godly influence.

- We shall discuss the topic under three sub-headings:

1. The Pattern of Possible Influence

2. The Problem of Ungodly Influence

3. The Power of Godly Influence

1. The Pattern of Possible Influence

i. The Parental Influence

- The parents have a great influence on the children. They are the first contact the child is exposed to, and learn their attitudes, character, habit and dispositions.

- A very good example is the family of Timothy, his mother Eunice was positively influenced by her own mother Lois, and the influence was evident in the life of Timothy, which can be from either his own mother or the grandmother or both of them. 2 Timothy 1: 5.

- The scripture recommend that parents should consciously be a source of positive influence on their children. That is why the Bible instructed them to train up a child. Prov. 22: 6.

- Unfortunately today, some of the parents, including believers have been a source of bad or negative influence to their children, either consciously or unconsciously.

- Parents need to prayerfully monitor their children in school and the environment to see the kind of friends they associate with so as to ensure that they are not being negatively influenced from outside.

- It is not enough for parents to give good food, good clothing and good education to their children, they must be deeply concern and labour towards their spiritual growth.

ii. The Sibling Influence

- In every family, there is a possibility of one child influencing the other either positively or negatively. This is because the siblings are usually together, and at a time, the influence might even be greater than that from the parents.

- One example is the children of Jacob. Despite the fact that Jacob was a man that feared the Lord, all his children are evil workers, except Joseph who stood out among them. Genesis 37: 2.

- We see Joseph bringing the evil report of his brethren to their father. This is a challenge to the children and the youth. It is possible for you to grow up among evil brothers and sisters without following their bad examples, but keeping to the way of the Lord you have learnt.

- We can also see the example of Samuel, who grew up together with the sons of Eli, but refused to be influenced by their evil behaviours. 1 Samuel 2: 12, 22.

iii. The Spouses’ Influence

- There is also a possibility of spouses influencing one another either positively or negatively. Marital harmony is a great blessing, but should not be extend to evil or ungodly practises.

- The popular story of Ananias and Sapphira is an example of this kind of influence. The idea would definitely had come from one of them, and the other person just played along. Acts 5: 1 – 2.