A new believer in the congregation mentions to a friend: “Our pastor watches that movie, so it must be all right to watch.”
Overheard in the workplace: “I may not agree with my boss on the way he treats those under him, but I’m learning from him that sometimes it doesn’t pay to be nice.”
A young boy mentions: “Dad never wears his seat belt. Why should I?”
Overheard at church: “In our Bible study class, a member mentioned enjoying reading a book that teaches beliefs contrary to the Bible. If she’s fine with it, so am I.”
A teenager in the hallway between classes: “My friends were talking today about a cool fad they want to try. I think I might try it too. Who cares if people say it’s dangerous?”
A new believer mentioning something she’s noticed: “The piano player for our church gossips constantly about others. Maybe I don’t need to take the command not to gossip seriously either.”
Overheard by a player on a sports team: “I’ve never been one to cheat, but since the coach says it’s ok, why not do it since winning is important?”
And on it goes…
Influence. We all influence someone. If we are a parent, we have a critical impact on our children. They are watching us constantly, and whether we choose to believe it or not, they will mimic what we do. Our actions are powerful.
If we are a supervisor, our leadership has great clout over those whom we supervise, whether for the positive or negative.
A pastor is perhaps one of the most influential among a wide scope of people. His congregation and those in the community constantly look to him for guidance and the way they should live their lives.
Friends make a huge impact on the lives of each other for the good and bad. That’s why it’s so important to be mindful of the friendships we keep.
Movie stars, music artists, authors, teachers, and coaches are also influential.
Those of us who are seemingly “common” and not in any real leadership role still have influence over people. We all influence someone. Everything we do has an impact on someone. People around us are watching.
What does the Bible say about our influence and leadership over others?
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness~ James 3:1
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ~ Philippians 2:3
Whatever is trustworthy… because whatever we watch or think comes out and whatever comes out is being viewed and watched by others, so it’s a domino effect.
We all sin – that’s why we need a Savior. We all are capable of misusing our influence over others.
Instead, we should take our influence seriously and seek to protect and guard those in our sphere of influence.
Who is influential in your life?
Penny Zeller 