Power of Influence

Influence is defined as the ability to produce an effect on others without any apparent exertion, and in our soul-winning efforts, the power of our influence is important. We can influence people simply by being in their presence, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit gives us authority in this area. He empowers us with the supernatural ability to effectively witness to others of His might. Jesus set the example for us during His earthly ministry, and the Holy Spirit provides the opportunity to continue that ministry today. When we depend on Him, our lives become a living testimony to God.

God’s influence causes us to boldly witness, with our testimony and with our entire life. Jesus had told His disciples they would receive power when the Holy Spirit descended on them, and they would be witnesses for Him to the ends of the earth. The Spirit would give them ability, efficiency, and might (Acts 1:8, AMP). This type of might is greater than our own willpower or self-effort, because it comes from God. When we witness to others, we plant a seed. We may or may not see the eventual harvest. We must refute those who dispute us, and we must have mercy on those who waver and doubt. We should strive to snatch others from the fire, but pity and loathe even the garment spotted by the flesh (Jude 1:22, 23, AMP). We should not be concerned only with ourselves. Instead, we must remove ourselves from the center of the equation. We are taught to study to be quiet, mind our own business, and work with our own hands, so we can walk honestly and lack nothing. We must make it our ambition to live quietly and peacefully, commanding respect from the outside world (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12, AMP). Worldly religion has not commanded respect, but when we live out this Scripture, we will be able to command the respect of others. B. Our goal should be to represent God so well that others see Him when they look at us. Paul asked the Corinthians if he needed any letters of commendation from them, like some false teachers need. The people themselves were his epistle, written in their hearts (2 Corinthians 3:1, 2, AMP). Others are looking at our lives, and taking note of what they see. When we are reading our Bible, people are reading us. We are ambassadors for Christ, and we pray for others that they may be reconciled to God. Jesus, Who knew no sin, took our sin so that we could be the righteousness of God. We are His personal representatives, and He makes His appeal through us (2 Corinthians 5:20, 21, AMP). God uses us to bring heaven to earth. Jesus’ disciples marveled that He spoke with a Samaritan woman, but no one asked Him why He was talking to her. The woman left her water pot and confessed that He was Christ. She witnessed to the people in town, and the people came to see Him (John 4:27-30, AMP). Jesus influenced her to change what she had been saying and doing. He has that effect on people.