Genuine influence on others is a significant matter. So, it shouldn’t surprise us that profound influence flows from our CHARACTER, even more so than our actions. Influence has to do with “who we are”. God has designed us in such a way that we “influence far more out of who we are than what we do.” [Thrall, McNicol & Lynch] So then, WHO are you? That’s the influence you’re having.
2 comments:
Doesn't who we are sometimes flow from what we do? If I don't know someone I get ideas on who they are by how they act.
Mary,
Yes, I think the two factors influence each other so that “what we DO” influences who we are and, likewise, “who we ARE” influences what we do; they are strongly connected. However, “who we are” is the more fundamental factor. So, at the end of the day, “who we are” will tend to be the more significant, influential and determinative factor. This is why as God changes us for the better, He begins with our heart—which has to do with “who we are”.
“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart….” Luke 6:45
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