Women are expected to be wise builders according to Proverbs 14v1, however in the process of building, we are to contribute positively to our environment. There is a quality that God has endowed women with and that is THE POWER OF INFLUENCE
Influence is defined as the power to have an effect on people to bring about change whether good or bad. Influence can be negative or positive. Let’s look at some examples of both categories:
NEGATIVE INFLUENCE
- Delilah – Delilah had mastered the art of negative influence. She pressed Samson DAILY with her words. Judges 16v6, 10, 13, 15, 16
- Potiphar’s wife – Another lady who was good at DAILY negative influence. Day by day she spoke to Joseph to lie by her. Genesis 39v7, 10, 11, 12
- Strange Women – Strange women are always looking for men who have lost direction. May our husbands not lose direction in Jesus name.
POSITIVE INFLUENCE
- Esther -Esther influenced the generation of the Jews of her time. With boldness she persuaded her husband, King Ahasuerus to favour her people. Esther 5v4,5,8 and Esther 7v1,2,3,5,6.
- The Shunemite woman – This woman constrained Elisha to eat bread; she positively influenced Elisha and her husband. 2 Kings 4v8,9,10
- Abigail -Abigail with her humility positively influenced King David. 1 Samuel 25v2, 3, 10-19, 23,25,26,28,35,36. Abigail made haste and pacified the King.
Women can influence even themselves, therefore be careful who you associate with. Evil communication corrupts good manners. Iron sharpens iron so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Vashti is an example of a woman in leadership, who had the potential to teach the women under her positively, but her disobedience would have had a cascading influence on many women, the king was therefore advised to disown her. May your marriage never disintegrate. Esther 1v16,17,18,19,20
The following acronym typifies the qualities we as women should possess. We should be women that are:-
- I – Integrity minded – Sapphira lacked integrity and lost her life. Acts 5v8,9
- N- Noble – Abigail is an example of nobility. She was admirable in appearance and quality.
- F- Fearful of God – The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 1v7, Proverbs 31v30
- L – Loving people – Dorcas loved the brethren; she spent her time and money. Acts 9v36,39
- U – Useful – Proverbs 31v11,23,29 let us know that the husband trusts the usefulness of the wife.
- E – Enterprising – Women should MAKE A PROFIT. Proverbs 31v13, 16-24
- N – Naked – This is transparency. Be transparent with your husband. Proverbs 21v9,19
- C – Caring – Reach out to the needy. Help the orphans, widows and destitutes. Proverbs 31v20
- E – Enlightened – You cannot give what you do not have. Proverbs 31v31 – The virtuous woman’s works ( talents, skills, hard work, sacrifices, knowledge etc) praise her in the gates. THAT WOMAN IS YOU!
Be the best that you can be and our Good LORD will take care of the rest. Be empowered, be generous, be wise, have a vision and most of all be holy. It is well with you.
