After reading Dale Carnegie’s classic book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, I wondered what his principles would look like for Christian women. How do we become women of influence?
When I prayed, God brought to mind Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:13-14) that we are the salt and light of the world. The metaphor talks about us having an impact right where we are and thus influencing the world.
Our Influence on the World
One match can light a room and dispel the darkness. As light, we’re here to make Jesus visible to those we encounter each day.
Salt is both pure and preservative. Being salt in our world lets others see the purity and helps heal and preserve a bit of truth in a fallen world full of rottenness and sin. The testimony of our lives with the Lord demonstrates His goodness and love for those around us.
How can we become women of influence? Through prayer and Bible study, God revealed these ten things we can do to have a more significant impact on those in our circles of influence.
Don’t:
- Talk about your health. – Don’t think more highly of your health issues than someone else’s problem. Romans 12:3
- Complain. – Avoid Stinkin Thinkin. Do everything without complaining or arguing. Philippians 2:14
- Interrupt people. – Listen before you speak. Proverbs 18:13
- Procrastinate. – Take a lesson from the ants. A little bit at a time adds up to something bigger than nothing. Proverbs 6:6-11
- Worry about anything. ─ Worry works against you. Do not be afraid, for God is with you. Isaiah 41:10
Do:
- Follow your hunches, and God nudges -– My sheep listen to My voice and follow Me. John 10:27
- Listen more. – Listen to understsand. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. James 1:19
- Stay positive. ─ Set your mind on God and not on what’s happening around you. Colossians 3:2
- Pray about everything. ─ Ask God for what you need. Philippians 4:6
- Count Your blessings every day. ─ Praise the Lord, and don’t forget how kind He is. Psalm 103:2
Listen closely and follow. My Holy Spirit will tell you precisely what to do. Follow My guidance and don’t let doubt get in the way. “I will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Me.” Focus on the word stayed. That means think about Me, trust Me, and remember My promises. Don’t let fear, worry, and doubt wear you down. I’m bringing these things to you for your good, not to harm you, but so you can bless others.
