Influence

Yesterday, while driving from one patient's house to another, I listened to Geraldo Rivera interview a ball player and a rap singer who were leading a peaceful march down the streets of Baltimore.  He asked them what they were doing there and the response of both was pretty much the same: They came because they both had grown up on those streets and they wanted to remind those angry young men that there is hope, that there are possibilities and that there was a better way than rioting and looting.  They were both there to exercise their influence for the benefit of others.

I also listened to Al "Sharptongue," who, surrounded by his entourage, got to a microphone and announced that he was there to demand justice, then marched off with his body guards.  He brought his influence there as well, influence that he has been peddling for years, amassing great wealth and power for himself, not bringing peace or encouragement to anyone, simply lining his pockets and increasing his national profile.

The Book of Esther narrates the time when Haman conspired to get the king to make an edict to kill all the Hebrews.  When Mordecai found out about it, he got word to Queen Esther, asking her to speak to the king on behalf of the Jews from which she came.  She responded at first that, even for her, to go in to the king's presence with his invitation was to put your life on the line.  Mordecai then gave her this word: "Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14)?

Mordecai was suggesting that her influence came from God and ought to be used for the good of others.  Even though he knew there was a risk involved, he encouraged her to use what God had given her in a godly way, depending on God to bring good from it.  Then Ester sent this answer, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law.  And if I perish, I perish" (4:16).

Esther was determined to use the influence God had allowed her for the good of others.  Putting her own self-interests aside, putting self-preservation at risk, she weighed in so that Israel might be saved.  She is the model for using influence - determining the right thing to do and putting your stamp of approval on that, leaning in against evil, using it for good not using it just for self-advancement.  

And, it is extremely important to realize that everybody influences someone and usually several someones.  Some influence a great number but everyone influences some.  You influence others.  How will you use your influence?  Jus' Ask'n.