THE LOST ART OF INFLUENCE

Something in my soul gets stiff when I'm spoken to in a firm voice that leaves no room for give & take.

It can feel like manipulation to me. It feels like there's something personal for you to gain. So I want no part in it. So I can't fully trust what you are saying. What is your intent?

Your capacity to influence me is gone.

When I experience these feelings, your ability to influence me has left the building.

I have essentially checked out.

You can not move me.

But, I believe that influence is the best way to lead and move others toward what is good. Influence is the most inspired way to change the world. Even though it is one of the places we can feel the most powerless. We want to change the world, but no one will listen to us.

So many want to have significant influence, but it often comes off as manipulation.

But what if you aren't supposed to be just like them? What if you are supposed to take what they've offered and do it just as you would?

The problem is, who am I? How am I any more special than anyone else?

I don't want to be anyone other than who I am created to be in this life. However, I've found that to have the influence I want to have in the lives around me; I must first find out who I am.

Have you ever thought about how to do that?

It's by capturing the heart of those you want to lead, but only after your own heart has been captured. So first, are you convinced of your capacity to influence. Next, you must be confident in your authority and discover the resources you need to lead the way.

Don't buy into the lie that we must be a specific type of person to be an influencer. Every person has influence. They are doing it in a way that is true to how God has put them together. Are you willing to trust that God has made you perfectly?

How have you looked into how you tick?

I believe that there are many ways to find out who you are. The most important one is to find your identity in Jesus.

I know that can be very controversial these days, but it is the one truth I've been able to hold onto. The word truth is the key word here. The truth of who Jesus is gives me a constant standard in a world of "new" things to try. Who do you put your trust in daily? Is it working?

I'd love to have a conversation with you!

Please comment below.