How can you influence your family and friends?

There is an amazing promise in the Bible that will encourage you to influence your friends, family, and coworkers. It’s found in Ephesians 1:19, and it says, “and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” (Ephesians 1:19, NKJV)  

When we unwrap this verse, we discover that the word “power” is “kratos” in the original Greek language. “Kratos” means a type of power that establishes dominion. Dominion power from God can help you start a successful business, create music, or invent a new app. 

friend, would you like to influence society, your city, or your family? Would you like to start a new trend that changes lives for the good? My mentor, Dr. Dobbins, once told our graduate psychology class that we can only control three things: our thoughts, our feelings, and our actions. Then he warned us about three things we can’t control: the thoughts of others, the feelings of others, and the actions of others. 

This concept is so liberating. It frees us from things we can’t control and puts the focus on things that we should try to control. James warns us that this focus can be so hard: “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 3:2, NKJV) 

Isn’t this liberating but frustrating? We all want to make people happy. We don’t want anyone to be mad at us, so what can we do? We can influence others by God’s power, our attitudes, and our actions. We can inspire people.

friend, in what ways do you want to influence others, industries, or society? Would you take a moment right now and ask God to fill you with “kratos”?

God’s question echoes through eternity with these words from Isaiah: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’” (Isaiah 6:8, NKJV) Would you say a big yes to God and leave the results to Him? 

The greatest power that anyone really has is influence. You are a miracle.