This morning during “coffee with the Lord” I was intrigued by the topic “The Art of Influence.” Big topic!! Believe me I don’t have all the answers!! (If anyone has a great bibliography of good books on the topic, I’m interested!)
When it comes to influencing others, the only thing some people have going for them is money. Here’s a challenge… Put away your money and see what you can accomplish without it… “stash the cash – boycott the bribe” and see how influential you really are! Me thinks, for many people, it’s about all they’ve got going for them and their ideas.
This is what I read in the Bible about “influence” this morning…
“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” (Proverbs 25.15 NIV)
My interpretation of the advice? Lower your voice (don’t sound so strident and pushy). Think process, exercise patience, and hang in there when you’re trying to influence a decision or a key leader… (might not be a bad idea to bathe things in prayer either 😉 … ask God for “Divine favor!”)
Good stuff from the book of Proverbs this morning, eh?
Coffee With The Lord 