Influence!

1 Peter 3:4 (New International Version)

4. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.


Here is how Websters define "Influence",
the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command, corrupt interference with authority for personal gain.
Have you ever thought about this wonderful and terrifying gift, this power of influence, that God has given to women? From the very beginning we read of how Eve "influenced" Adam into eating of the fruit. Do you think the serpent believed Eve could talk Adam into anything? Remember how Rebekah influenced her son Jacob to deceive his father Isaac? There are many instanced in the Bible and of course in our own lives, where people have been influenced. It is so easy to do that it is scary! Here is the definition of manipulation: " to manage or utilize skillfully, to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage." As you can see there is a fine line between the two. Maybe the reason for scriptures telling us to be gentle and quiet, is because of the power we have to influence our family and friends. I pray for me and you that we will be so very careful, we must think before we speak or even how our behavior is when we are talking to someone. We must never hurt or harm anyone. Lets be prayerfully careful everyday to speak Gods blessings on everyone we come in contact with!