The Positive Power of Influence

Judges 1:12-15

The positive power of influence is one of the keys of leadership. Leadership isn’t just about having a powerful position. Anytime you use your influence to affect the thoughts and actions of others, you are engaging in leadership.

This story is in the Book of Judges. The Book of Judges is about the transition from Moses and Joshua until Israel chose kings. During this period, God raised up judges to help the people of Israel. However, this was because “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” This statement appears often in Judges, and it reminds us that when we decide to do what we want, chaos follows.

We see the transition from one generation to another in this passage. Caleb, one of the two spies from forty years ago is now an influential man in the community. People look up to him. So, Caleb issues a challenge: Capture a city and win my daughter as a prize to be your wife. In this exchange we see different forms of influence being exerted.

THREE FORMS OF POSITIVE INFLUENCE I CAN EXERT

PRESTIGE

“Caleb said…” (Judges 1:12)

The first form of influence, prestige, is a form of positional power. This kind of influence is exerted by people for what they have done. People listen to you because of what you have accomplished. Caleb is an example of a person who exerts this form of influence. Caleb is an accomplished leader. He has successfully led the people of Israel, along with Joshua forward. Unlike the rest of his generation, Caleb was obedient to God. Caleb was rewarded for that obedience with long life. With long life came the influence and prestige that it brings.

PEDIGREE

“So Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s youngest brother, captured it…” (Judges 1:13)

The second form of influence, pedigree, is a form of relational power. This kind of influence is exerted by people for who they know. People listen to you because of to whom you are connected. Othniel is an example of someone who exerted this form of influence. Caleb is Othniel’s uncle. Othniel took up Caleb’s challenge because he thought he could do it. However, I suspect that Othniel also took up the challenge because of his connections to Caleb. Othniel probably thought that he had an advantage because he was related to Caleb. In all likelihood, Othniel had that advantage and he seized upon it.
Leslie Flynn points out that the Italian word for influence is influenza. The word influenza was introduced into English in the mid-1700s, apparently coming from the Italian phrase which attributed the origin of this malady to an influenza di freddo (influence of the cold).
We are, by our very natures, very contagious people—our example tends to spread to others as easily as the flu. Everyone exerts influence.*

PERSUASION

“When she arrived, she persuaded Othniel to ask her father for a field….” (Judges 1:14)
“She answered him, “Give me a blessing. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs also…” (Judges 1:15)

The third form of influence, persuasion, is a form of faith power. This kind of influence is exerted by people for the potential they see in something or someone. Achsah is an example of someone who exerted this form of influence. People listen to you because of the potential opportunities you see. This person, when expressed in faith, is a form of optimistic influence. However, when this person expresses this form of influence out of manipulation, it can be dangerous.

In this case, Achsah used the power of persuasion very well. When she arrives, she asks Othniel to ask Caleb for a field. Then she asks Caleb for a blessing. This is because Achsah already had plans for what she was about to receive. She asked in faith for the land, and then asked again in faith for the blessing. Prestige and pedigree are powerful forms of influence. But these forms can be limiting. However, everyone can use the positive power of persuasion to influence others.

Your influence is like your shadow. It may not always fall where you want it. Therefore, you need to be especially careful to see that wherever it falls, it will have a “good” effect on all. You may not be able to control the shadow, but you can control the one who casts the shadow. Make your influence count for God. Be not deceived! Others are being influenced by your example right now, this very hour.

Remember, the best leaders are those who understand that their power flows through them, not from them.

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Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash