It seems to me that women are created with the ability to influence their men and even their children. It would therefore amount to a waste of time and energy to stop the influence of a woman; It might be better to pour the same into raising women of positive influence. The word INFLUENCE is defined as, the power to produce an effect; the ability to affect a person’s character, beliefs or actions. An influence is therefore, a thing or person with this ability.

Generally speaking, women don’t have the physical strength of a man (the Bible actually refers to them as ‘the weaker vessel’ in 1 Peter 3:7), but they sure have influence. Have you ever heard the saying, “Behind every successful man, is a woman.”? Though some people argue, it’s ‘beside’ and not ‘behind’, it is not only true for a successful man but also for the unsuccessful one too! Have you ever wondered why Adam ate the forbidden fruit? The Bible clearly tells us that she ate the fruit and “also gave to her husband with her and he ate.” (Gen.3:6). The Bible simply reveals that Adam wasn’t deceived (1 Tim.2:14), neither was there any evidence of physical force. What of the case of Samson and Delilah? The lords of the Philistines were smart enough to recognise the power of the woman. They hired Delilah to “Entice him and find out where his great strength lies and by what means we may overpower him;” (Judg.16:5). Samson’s greatest un-doing was to fall in love with what was going to kill him! Proverbs actually warns about the evil woman and the seductress: “Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread, an adulteress will prey upon a precious life.” (Pr.6:25,26). What of the story of Ahab and Jezebel? Unfortunately, many men haven’t quite got the gist yet! Jezebel, among other things, was simply a woman who helped fulfil the selfish and uncontrolled desire of her husband. It wasn’t just about a controlling woman; it takes an Ahab to have a Jezebel! What of women like Lady Macbeth? The list is endless.

On a positive note, we have women like Abigail whose wise counsel stopped David from bloodshed. (1 Sam.25:31-33). There was also Esther who delivered her people Israel, by taking her own life in her hands. Esther said, “If I perish, I perish.” (Es.4:16). What about women like Deborah, a prophetess who also judged Israel many years? We mustn’t forget the young Jewish girl who staked everything, including her marriage and even her life, to become the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ? Mary said to the angel, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (Lk.1:38). Proverbs speaks about the virtuous woman; “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” (Proverbs 31:28-29).

How then do you become a woman or a person of positive influence?
1. Be vitally connected to God.
You must have a vibrant and on-going relation-ship with God through Jesus Christ, His Word and His Spirit. God said to Adam, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife……”(Gen.3:17) and He said to Abraham, “ Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice..” (Gen.21:12). Is there any difference in the two scenarios? Of course! What Eve said was directly against God’s command to Adam and what Sarah said was in line with God’s will. Eve had been listening to and fellowshipping with the serpent; I believe if we stay in touch with the Holy Spirit, we will always speak the mind of God to influence people positively.

2. Be a person of Prayer.
Ungodly women use sex, intimidation, manipulation, seduction, enticement, Etc, as means of influence, but you can influence positively through your God-breathed, Holy Spirit-inspired prayers. The Bible says, “Charm is deceitful, beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Pr.31:30). Esther didn’t try to influence the king by her charm or beauty, she asked Mordecai and the Jews to fast for her 3 days and night, and She and her maids did the same! Prayer moves the Hand that moves the world.

3. By your lifestyle.
The Bible says men can be won by the conduct of their wives and that a woman’s adornment shouldn’t merely be outward, “rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Pet.3:1-5). Paul told Timothy that he was persuaded that the genuine faith which first dwelt in Timothy’s grandmother and in his mother, was also in him. What a generational influence!

4. By your words (or/and teachings).
There is something about our words that have the ability to change lives. Words spoken over or about us have a way of controlling and even moulding our lives. Words are containers; they are also carriers or conveyors. Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life.” (Jn.6:63). I have often had people tell me that they keep on hearing the things I taught or told them even long after I said them and even I was no longer with them. A lady once told me that what I had taught them on decent dressing came back to her in her bedroom as she was about making a choice about what to wear! Did you know who taught Solomon about the virtuous woman? His mother of course! (Pr.31:1). Mothers are the greatest teachers of their children- “And do not forget the law (teachings) of your mother. For they will be a graceful ornament on your head and chains about your neck.” (Proverbs1:8-9).

5. By your love.
People actually don’t care about what you know until they know you care. The Bible says knowledge puffs up (our heads) but love builds up! In 1Corinthians 14:26, “Let all things be done for edification.” Our goal must not be to display ourselves or what we know, but to build up others. I believe one reason why Jesus was and is still such a great Influence’ was because He gave His life for all. He said, “Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (Jn.15:13). Have you noticed that people don’t change in an atmosphere of criticism and hatred, rather they change when they know they are loved and accepted.

I believe God is calling all believers, not only women, but also men, and children, to become people of positive influence. People that will dare to be different in these times so as to make the difference not only in their generation but in the next generation.

God bless you.

Rev. Funke Ewuosho