The Power Of Influence

            What type of influence are you having on society? Influence is defined as, “the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command. The power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways’. (Webster’s). Statement such as, “he or she is a good influence” or “he or she is a bad influence” indicates the ability of one person to influence the attitude or conduct of another. Adults, children alike are influenced by various ways.

            The term “influence” is not used in the Scriptures, but the principle of meaning is. I Kings 3:12, “I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart. So that there hath been none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee”. Even though Solomon was the possessor of such great wisdom, “his wives turned away his heart after other gods. I Kings 11; 4. The power of influence is very strong.

            We are influence two ways. The outside influence that others have upon us, and the influence we have on others. If we do not have influence upon our children, they will be influence by those outside their home.

            Influence is not inherently (something that is built in or part of one’s makeup) good or evil. Evil influence can destroy individuals, homes, nations. Paul wrote, “evil companionships corrupt good morals”. I Cor. 15:33. Individuals want very much to be accepted by their peers. They know certain conduct is wrong, or immoral. Yet, they do not want to be rejected by their friends, so they are influenced by them to do evil. One would be hard pressed to find one person that has not been influenced by others to do something they did not regret.

            Remember Paul’s words, “be not ye therefore partakers with them. for ye were once darkness, but are not light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, proving what is well pleasing unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of”. Eph. 5:7-12.

- CL Bruner