Power of Influence

Acts 13:50 But the Jews incited the devout, prominent women and the leading men of the city, and instigated persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them forcibly out of their district.

Why was it that the Jews went to the women first? The same spirit that was present when Eve was tricked in the garden was present here when the Jew incited (KJV reads stirred up) these women.

We first must take notice that these were women who loved and feared God. They were women who were well know or important in the area. These women I believe really wanted to do what was right in God’s sight.

What was about these women, Eve and all women that causes the enemy to try and sway us? Our gift of the power of influence.  Women have been trusted with the power of influence.  Most mothers understand the power of influence for we are daily influencing our children.

But we must be careful because influence is not manipulation. Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. While manipulation seeks to control or change someone’s behavior through underhanded, deceptive, or abusive tactics.

Influence will seek good not evil, it will seek to build up not tear down it will look for ways to encourage not discourage others. 

Father thank you for the gift of influence and may it be used to bring others closer to you. In Jesus name amen.