The Power of Influence
Have you ever considered the power of influence? Most of us probably do not consider the great degree to which we are influenced each day, and how different influences affect the many decisions we make. The Lord ushered my spirit to write about this topic since there is much possibility with influence. For those who have a television and watch it at least semi-regularly, you will notice that between "programs" there are commercial breaks. During this 3-5 minute break from your program, you are bombarded with advertisements. Some may be about food, others about clothing or shoes, and still others could be regarding cars, entertainment, or many other topics. The intent of these advertisements is to influence you to react, think, or feel a certain way regarding the information presented to you. If it is an advertisement for a product, you are being influenced to possibly make a buying decision.
How many times have you been hungry when a commercial flashed a delicious looking meal that sent your taste buds scrambling? It is very likely that you either purchased that meal which was shown, a very similar meal, or something different altogether. The point is, you were influenced to eat based on what was shown. The program you were watching on the television is called a "program" for a reason. It is intended to do just that; program. When you finish watching a program you may have a completely different perception of a topic, or you may react differently in certain situations based off of what you were shown. You may start to buy certain shoes or clothing and dress differently. You may start to shop at a store you never thought of shopping at before. You may even begin to take risks that you previously would have avoided. Someone or something influences nearly every decision you make each day, often without you realizing why you are doing things a certain way. It is called preconditioned thinking. Subliminally your mind is constantly absorbing information. The subconscious mind(without you being aware) receives and processes information, stores it and then uses it later when you are faced with decision making. This is why infomercials are very effective and so often used in sales and other areas when presenting information to people.
You may feel that I am spending a great deal of time introducing the topic of influence, and I am. I want you to be equipped with knowledge that can change your life for the better. The word of God says, "My people perish from a lack of knowledge," Hosea 4:6.
What good does the Bible do for Christians if they never read it and apply God's living word to their lives? What good do you do for the kingdom of God if you don't use your influence? In the same sense, I want you to take the information I present to you and use it to change your life and impact the world around you positively. You may feel unimportant, and that no one cares about you or your actions. Wrong! Even when you feel unimportant there are always eyes watching what you do. To God you are very important. You are also very important to me. As a believer in Christ you are filled with power, but don't allow that power to go to waste! God wants you to use YOUR influence to change the lives of others. That is what this topic is truly about. Influence is a powerful tool that can be used for good or evil. Have you ever heard of a bad influence? Sure you have, they're all around. A bad influence does not force someone else to behave badly, but through persuasion they can cause others to do the wrong thing. That is why it is so important to surround yourself with those who intend to do good and want what is best for others. That doesn't mean you're going to have or find perfect friends or family because you won't. They are human after all. No one is perfect, but there are definitely people who have bad intentions, and there are those who are genuinely concerned with the good of others.
So you are wondering how you can impact the world for God. A good friend once shared a powerful quote with me. He said, "To the world you are just one person, but to one person you might mean the world." Even if you're a babe in Christ there are ways that you can immediately influence the world. One thing you can do is pray. Prayer is simply communication with God. It is a powerful and effective way of influencing your personal situation and occurrences going on in the world around you.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
"Therefore I say unto you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24
they profited the most, with little regard for what happened to the average citizen? A worldly leader is going to make decisions based on worldly influence, often with negative consequences. A Christian leader will make choices based on Godly principles. Those who control the money control just about everything else. As Christians we need to stand up and take back the world for God.
Take a look at the arts and entertainment industry, aka Hollywood. Look at all the demonic "programming" (aka brainwashing) that comes out of Hollywood. The industry is saturated with satanic messages, violent imagery, drug and alcohol abuse, idol worship, false gods, sexual immorality, and abundant amounts of witchcraft. These are the images, ideals, and messages constantly being absorbed by the masses (including children) on a regular basis. Now imagine if Christians took back the entertainment industry and decided it would no longer be the devil's play ground. Then it would be used for the Lord. There would be shows that uplifted, taught positive messages, and influenced lives through righteousness. Instead, due to lack of Christian influence we continue to get slammed with evil. I am not saying that all movies are bad and that every person is out to harm; I'm simply asking you to carefully consider how film is being used and whether its impact is positive or negative. Film, just like music, is a tool. It can be used to build and uplift, or to tear down and destroy. If there was more Christian influence over the music industry, imagine how what we listened to would change. Right now I am almost certain that God is disgusted by today's music industry and the filthy content being used to influence people. God loves music. He created music and has an amazing heavenly choir that would blow the minds of even the most acclaimed conductors. Still, do you think God is pleased with lyrics constantly boasting about drug use, killing, selfishness, sexual immorality, degrading of women, self righteousness, and other demonic messages that do great harm spiritually and mentally? Come on that's a big, obvious NO. The devil has plenty of helpers willing to use their influence in the world for evil purposes to lead others astray to hell.
Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Luke 4:5-6
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1Peter 5:8
Those who take Satan's offer (Jesus clearly refused) and bow down in worship of him in exchange for worldly wealth and possessions use their great influence to do evil. Don't be fooled by these people when they do a "good" deed occasionally, or donate something to charity. They tend to be evil with wicked hearts. You only see them when the camera is on them in the spotlight. Of course they are going to portray themselves in the best light. Satan himself wants to look as appealing and pleasant as possible so he can deceive people.
God is searching for those who are willing to step out in faith and use their influence to advance his kingdom, not the worldly kingdom of darkness. You don't have to have tons of money. You don't have to have a lot of free time to positively influence others for God. You simply need to make the best use of the time and resources you have. Politics is overrun with corruption and scandal because it is full of worldly leaders. If there were more Christian leaders, consider how the laws would be different. Imagine how the government would be used for the people instead of against the people. Think about how the nation would stand on the principles of God instead of giving heed to false doctrines, rituals and ideals. People would prosper instead of drown in debt. Everyone wants God to bless America, but how can He when our political leaders openly support abortion, abuse, homosexuality, slavery, murder, scandals, and numerous other forms of evil. If Christian leaders would step into these positions of power and wield their influence the impact would be great. Maybe the number of innocent babies aborted would be significantly reduced. Perhaps we would not be involved in frivolous wars, and drowning in debts with a deficit that seems to increase exponentially. Surely, there would be a much greater distribution of wealth where poverty was reduced or eliminated, and the control was not in the hands of a small few while the majority suffered. Isn't it possible that our corrupt justice system would actually offer people a fair chance if Godly leaders were in place? Instead, today's Christian leaders would rather sit watching on the sidelines while the worldly leaders continue to destroy not only this nation, but others throughout the world with dark, satanic influence.
I could go on but there is no need. I know you understand why influence is so powerful and important. As a Christian you have the Holy Spirit, the very power of God flowing through you. You have access to the Almighty and therefore unlimited resources. You can change things for the better and make a difference. You ARE important! You are so important that God created you in His own image.
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27
God carefully crafted you.
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. Psalms 149: 13-14
You may not have an interest in politics, but you may have other talents that can be used to influence others for Christ. If you can sing, do it for God in a way that uplifts others, and spreads positive messages (while pleasing Him at the same time) instead of becoming like any number of other worldly artists who put out lyrical poison to make a quick buck. If you are interested in politics, run for office in your local government so that you can change things and help people who are being oppressed by the system. You might have a passion for arts and entertainment. You can put together productions that spread the message of Christ and impact people in a positive way. God has given each of gifts which can be used to influence others.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying then prophecy according to your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy; do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8
We all have gifts or talents. The question is whether we will use them for God to do good, or for the world to do evil. I encourage you to use your influence to do good and change the world for the better. Many are suffering and hurting today. They are looking for someone to shine the light of Christ that they may know there is hope. They have enough evil and darkness around them, so imagine their relief when you come along shining your light, blessing them with hope. Many have gone down the wrong path and are lost. You may have just the right message that they need to hear in order to get their lives on track with Christ. Your gift may be just what someone needed to see or hear, in order to muster the strength to overcome a difficult challenge they're facing. You can stay where you are, content with doing little or nothing as those around you continue to suffer, or you can exercise your faith, use your great influence and start helping others in need.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
I encourage you to use the power of influence. You have great power. God needs warriors like you who can turn the tides in this great spiritual war being fought. Get up, get out there and make a difference. You will not only bless the lives of others and help make this world a better place, but also set yourself in a position to receive abundant blessings from God.
But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
The blessings of the Lord makes one rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22
I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” Genesis 22:17-18
How awesome is that? Its a situation where you CAN'T lose. You can only win with God on your side! Remember to use your influence for good. Also, be careful to make sure you are being influenced by what is good. You may not realize it but something or someone is always influencing you. You will be a representation of what you absorb, so fill your heart and mind with good things, especially the word of God so that you can be effective in your works!
As always, Truth is Freedom, Knowledge is Power
