Influence

Influence Beyond the Pale

Casual acquaintance with our vocabulary impoverishes the inspirational nature of living according to the fullness of what we were created to become. We limit our effectiveness through incomplete comprehension of the power and authority given in many situations.  The word influence is such a neglected word that bears further pondering. I considered it to mean direct changing of a person’s direction by outward words and deeds; as a direct result of vocal or written communication. 

In truth, a person of influence may affect others much by not speaking words but by example lives those words, in a manner speak more powerfully than by the use of words alone.  True if living by the standard established by the Almighty; not perfectly spoken but with perfect heart and desire, more and more breaking old habits of worldly vision to focus upon the Light of Life. Moses’ face glowed after being alone with God on the mountain, and then faded when he faced the challenges of leading a stubborn people.

 We today who believe in the Lord in His fullness have His presence with us to shine through our brokenness, even when we are unaware; especially more powerful when we are unaware.  Every moment in life is woven into the storehouse of who we have become, imperceptible for the most part, and yet finely ingrained into the whole experience much as a pinch of thyme flavors the whole kettle of nourishing robust soup.

We carry with us the eternity God set in the hearts of man in our journey to that perfection that leads the faithful forward in this race of discovery fitted between our birth and the end of our allotted days on earth.  Each day dawns with specifically ordained purpose.  Even in the busy routines of life there is something new to glean through our connection to the wonders yet to come. Moments of trial are broken by the light of hope which is always before us if we face the morning with expectation.  It is that eternal hope of the promise that shines through the eyes with power to influence those who hunger for its assurance.

Man thinks of influence as something we choose to use to redirect someone to our favor; perhaps bribery or threatening or slick talking; coercing a person’s direction without effectively changing hearts.  It is not our giving of emotional pleas; it is the power of the gospel that lends fragrance that invites inquiry into the heart of the matter. That subtle fragrance is an elixir of the eternal connection with the ancient words of truth and life.

Inside the pale it seems easy and right to tell of the gospel with its power and might.

With God given authority others hear what we are given to say; the pale is a barrier of protection for the day.

It is true both in physical boundaries that deter and refrain and more so in spiritual realms of every dark domain.

Mountaintop experiences are grasped in the spiritual realm where the light of hope cannot be overwhelmed.

How beautiful the melody when both realms unite; the joy is even more glorious shining into the darkness of night.

The wonder of God’s providence is more greatly desired when all seems out of control;

Realized when two realms collide, enlightening the deepest chambers of need in the soul.

We take the pale with us wherever we are led on pathways strange; that pale is the Kingdom of God with us, He does not change.

Though outside the pale cultures collide and sparks often fly, the hope of Salvation is light that will never fade or die.

That is where radiant influence born from His presence within, quietly fans embers into light, precious souls to win.

In that realm beyond the physical pale, when language might make it difficult to speak and to tell,

It is that inner presence flowing from faith that is sure, that shines through the eyes with light that is pure.

It is a presence perhaps indiscernible to individuals, who have not experienced it before,

But with God’s enabling they may catch that elixir of glory and be moved to desire more.

A smile and a kind word spoken with God’s love may open a door of possibility ordained from above.

As the apostles often walked far with little in their store, God always provided more than their needs before.

They were given sight to recognize those who are spiritually poor then given words of hope to restore.

They were simple and transparent, humbly making their way as God led;

They gave generously from that storehouse, being filled from heaven until the multitude was fed.

This is the influence felt outside the pale, outside the intimate little garden settings within the veil,

An apt word spoken with love extends the boundaries of grace

Spreading glimpses of heaven to those who are drowning and in need of God’s hand in a desolate place.

We are praying II Thessalonians 1:11-12  ““Therefore we pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. ”Amen