We have all heard and probably repeated the old adage which is the biblical proverb, “Where there is no vision, the people languish and perish”. (Pro. 29: 18) I have been focused on the vision God has for my life since I was in college. It wasn’t until I got to II Peter in the New Testament that I understood God has a designed vision for me that He makes available to any those of us who desire to be a godly woman, wife, mom, grandma, powerful in her influence, firm in her faith.
“He has given us everything we need to live a godly life…”
(So, there are no excuses for patterns of failure!)
There are two powers in relationships given by God that dominate the world. The first is the power of authority. It’s not a choice, its positional. The second is the power of influence, which is a choice.
Which one is the greater or more powerful?
The power of influence is the greater power because it is a choice and it chooses to have power over another person. Our family, friends and every other relationship is affected…either inspired or manipulated by our use of influence. We learn to appeal to persuade our children and others to make right choices. (Esther is a good example!) We’ve all heard of “woman-power”. Have you ever thought about it? The man was given the power of authority and the women the power of influence. (Gen. 16:3)
What determines our influence?
How is our power manifested?
For good or evil, we woman are influencing ALL THE TIME. We are a letter and “we are known and read of all men”. (II Cor. 3: 2) Others are always watching to see the REAL us through our responses to life’s situations and our attitudes which result in actions. “The serene silent beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world, next to the might of God”. (Blaise Pascal) Holiness vanishes when you talk about it but becomes gloriously conspicuous when you live it!
A good example (instead of a bad excuse!) is the most inspirational influence.
What’s your vision for your family?
How are you using your power of influence
to see that vision fulfilled?
As a basic principle, what we do in moderation our children will do in excess.
Let’s commit to using our power of influence for a life of godly influence,
that others might speak well of Him because of us!
~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America. Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California. My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.
