Welcome back to Wednesday in the word y’all!
Last week I made this a link-up & there was only a couple of us but that’s great because Matthew 18:20 says “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them“. So keep reading, writing, & learning friends! If you’re interested in linking-up it’s really simple – all the details are at the bottom!
Today I am going to talk about something ALL of us have – Influence. Some of you reading this may think I am nuts for saying you have influence, but you do. Whether with your siblings, friends, coworkers, or complete strangers — YOU, my friend, impact people in ways you don’t even realize!
If you know me or have read a couple of my posts, you know that definitions are my favorite when learning about God’s word. So, of course I used the Google machine for my definition of…
Now do you trust me when I say that everyone has influence? If not think about to elementary school when you were with your best friend and they told you to do something you knew was wrong but did it anyway…we’ve all done it! And still DO! How about when your favorite actor, actress, band member, blogger, family member, etc. tell you about this awesome new product that you HAVE to try. Yep. That’s me. ALL. THE. TIME. We do things, say things, watch things, and read things because others tell us to. They influence us.
Before I go any further I have to tell you that influence is not a bad thing, in fact, it’s a wonderful thing….when used right. But there are a few things that we need to recognize about our influence AND how we are influenced by others.
Who influences you?
Since we are all human, we are influenced by someone, but it’s critical to know who influences you. Some people in my life that influence me are my husband, my family, & my friends. I value their opinion and regularly ask them for advice in my life. But I also let my facebook friends, Instagram followers, & people on TV give me advice. I usually don’t ask them…but they influence me. For example…I am obsessed with INSTAGRAM! Oh I love it! But here’s the thing…people (generally) only post the great things in their life. Same with blogs and facebook. We only see their beautiful home, perfect dinner, or dedication to working out, (or cutest puppy children in my case). Who posts about their awful job, addictions, bad attitudes, etc.? NOT anyone I follow…I can tell you that! That can be so detrimental to our faith. Those things can lead to comparison, doubt, & fear. I could could go on about those bad things here but I won’t…this is about INFLUENCE. We need to know enough about ourselves to realize that just because those people have things, doesn’t mean we have too. Know who influences you and how so that you can discern the good versus bad impacts on your life.
Who do you influence?
On the flip side of that, YOU influence others…for the good or bad…by doing the same things. It’s important that you realize the things you say to others or post on social media can have an impact on others. Growing up in a small town I knew I had influence. I was always around the same little girls who were soaking up everything I did like a sponge. Now that I am older, it’s different. I don’t think people around me are taking in every word…but some one may be. I am not saying to live a life for others, but rather live life in a way that would be pleasing to God. That is the way we are supposed to live & if someone soaks that up…well Praise the Lord! Our encouraging posts can lift someone out of the dumps, but in the same way, our sinful posts can lead someone astray.
Romans 14:13 says:
“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this — not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.”
I have told y’all before that I want my posts to be genuine & meaningful. I want this blog & my social media to have purpose. My prayer is that the things I say and do online will be like salt and light to this world. That they would be encouraging & God-filled.
A friend of mine introduced me to the Influence Network and I am grateful! This online community is all about networking with women across the country in a meaningful way. They hold forums & host classes to assist business owners, bloggers, & anyone with social presence to take their online presence (YOU!) to a whole new level of purpose. Each year they host a conference in Indy to bring everyone together to learn & be encouraged. And guess what…
I am so excited! There are so many people I can’t wait to meet. I hope that you check the organization and the conference…I would love for you to join me! If you have any questions just email me.
Part of all my weekly posts are about application & putting to life the lesson I have talked about. This week, my application is to be purposeful with my posts, meaningful with my Instagram, & encouraging always. I am also planning to spread the word about the Influence Conference as well as be REAL with my readers.
On that note…Y’all want some real honesty?! Well..last night I posted this great pic on Insta…
with the caption “Gettin Spicy with dinner tonight”…cool pic & cookin dinner..I rock right?
NOT.
This is actually what happened 10 minutes later when I screwed up the recipe…
Yep..that’s the trash & my so called “spicy” dinner. Ha!
Nothing like humility right?!
Let’s be real y’all! Let’s be women who use our influence for good, positive, encouraging things! Let’s use our influence to not make much of ourselves but to make much of Jesus!
Thanks so much for joining in & I can’t wait to see what you’re learning this Wednesday! If you want to link up, just write a post with what you’re learning or what’s on your heart. Grab the button at the top, add it to your post, & link-up at the bottom so others can visit you & be we can be encouraged.
Have a great Wednesday, friends!
Frankly my dear…put your influence to use!
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