Influence

The ability to affect others or events. Also, the experience of being affected by someone or something else. Scripture recognises the wide-ranging power of influence for both good and evil.

Teaching on influence

Exhortations to be influenced by good and to influence others for good

Matthew 5:13–16 See also Proverbs 1:8–9, Proverbs 7:1–5, Proverbs 25:15; Philippians 4:8–9

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Exhortations to resist evil influence and not to be a bad influence

Deuteronomy 4:15–19; Proverbs 5:1–14, Proverbs 6:20–26; Matthew 18:5–6; Romans 12:2, Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 5:6–8, 1 Corinthians 8:9–13; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18; 2 Timothy 2:14; James 4:7

Good influence in its various contexts

The influence of the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:1–13, Acts 8:26–40, Acts 16:6–10; Romans 8:5–17, Romans 8:26–27; 1 Corinthians 2:10–16, 1 Corinthians 12:3

People of good influence

2 Timothy 1:5 See also Genesis 41:41–43; 1 Kings 10:1–9, 1 Kings 15:11–14; 2 Kings 18:1–8, 2 Kings 23:1–25

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.

Evil influence in its various contexts

People of evil influence

2 Kings 9:22 See also Matthew 15:1–14, Matthew 16:5–12, Matthew 23:13–15, Matthew 27:20; 2 Corinthians 11:3–4, 2 Corinthians 11:13–15; 2 Peter 2:1–3

When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?”

Corrupting influence of evil cultures

Joshua 23:6–8, Joshua 23:12–13; Judges 2:10–13; 1 Kings 11:1–6; Ezra 9:1–2; Nehemiah 13:15–27; 1 Corinthians 12:1–2, 1 Corinthians 15:33

The influence of Satan

Matthew 16:23 See also Mark 1:23–26 parallel Luke 4:33–35; Mark 4:15 parallels Matthew 13:19, Luke 8:12; Luke 22:3–4; John 13:27–30; 2 Corinthians 12:7

But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Further aspects of influence

The influence of prayer

Genesis 18:20–33; Exodus 32:9–14; 2 Chronicles 7:13–15; Daniel 9:1–23; Jonah 3:3–10

The influence of words

Proverbs 12:18 See also Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 16:23–24, Proverbs 28:23; James 3:5–6

Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

The influence of parents

Proverbs 1:8–9 See also 2 Chronicles 22:2–3; Proverbs 4:1–4, Proverbs 6:20–22; 2 Timothy 1:5

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.