Influence

Amber Kennedy
Mar 30, 2016
4 min read

What is influence? One definition describes influence as "the capacity to have an effect on the character, development or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself." Some synonyms of influence include impact, guide, direct, shape and transform. When you think about influence have you ever considered, as a follower of Jesus, that influence is not just something that happens around you, but it is something that happens through you? Have you ever considered that you are a woman of influence, and have you thought about what kind of an impact you are having?

In the Sermon on The Mount Jesus speaks to us about the influence we have as His followers. Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out an trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16).

As His precious daughter's, God is calling us to be the salt and the light in a world that is filled with hopelessness and darkness.

Maybe you don't see yourself as a woman who has influence, but when Jesus speaks, He only speaks truth. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. These words should take any question of doubt in our minds that ponder, "Am I a woman of influence," and replace it with, "How do I influence?" As a stay at home mom, you may have had days where you have felt insignificant, unappreciated, or doubtful that you have contributed to the world in any deep and meaningful way as you change dirty diapers, kiss away an ouchy, wipe runny noses or prepare what may seem like a million meals a day. If the belief that you've held to for too long has been that your role as a wife and mother is somehow less significant than the CEO of a fortune five hundred company or whatever the comparison may be, I am here to encourage you that you are extremely valuable to Our Father God and He has good plans for you.

Make no mistake about it. You are strategically placed where you will have an influence and an impact, and when it comes to your children, that impact will be for generations to come. As you train your children to love God and others, you are an influence. As you lovingly guide them through day to day life, imparting godly wisdom, the great importance of love for, faith in and obedience to God, and countless other valuable life lessons, you are an influence. In your neighborhood, your church, your daily phone calls, text messages, or face to face interactions with various people, you are an influence. When your husband comes home from a long day at work and you turn your attention towards him, even if you've had a rough day, you are an influence.

I have heard it said before that we can choose to be a thermometer or a thermostat. This is true inside, as well as outside the four walls of our home. God has given us the power by His Holy Spirit to influence even the very atmosphere that we dwell in. Specifically, as the heart of our home, we can influence the atmosphere in which we and our family live. If your children start to fight, if someone is feeling grouchy, or if you just want to influence your home in a beautiful way, you can make even the simplest of changes that will have a major impact. One thing my children and I love to do together is dance. It's a common occurrence that I have worship music playing in our home, and a lot of times my children and I will have "dance parties" and have a great time. It's not only a way to worship God and have fun, but it creates an atmosphere that glorifies Him, creates unity, and makes wonderful memories.

Even though our families should be our first ministry, don't forget to take the time to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit, as He directs your paths to other areas of influence. Psalm 37:23 says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Another version of this verse says, "If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm." Follow God's lead, as He orders your steps, because His ways are good and firm, and He will position you where you will be best able to use your gifts and talents to impact the lives of others. God may call some of us to missions, to a job outside of the home, to open a business or serve in a specific area of ministry. For some of us, God has given us a mission field that is close to home. Some of us have extended family who don't know the Lord. Many of us have friends, neighbors or acquaintances who need support, a word of encouragement, godly counsel, or simply someone who will pray for them. Often times we may have a seemingly chance encounter at a seemingly random place or time that opens the door for us to be an influence.

My encouragement for you today is that you open the eyes and ears of your spirit to see and hear what the Holy Spirit has for you to do because you are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, a woman of influence.

Amber Kennedy

She sets such a beautiful example of God's Love and it is an honour and a blessing to have her sharing a word from God's heart, a word inspired by the Holy Spirit and a word we believe that will change and impact your life.