Last time we looked at examples of how women in the bible used their feminine wiles to influence those around them both good and bad.

Now, what about the HOW part? There are a number of ways in which we can influence others, particularly men. I would like to focus on our words and our bodies (which encompasses, our actions, dress and so on).

Words:
As we read in the book of James, the tongue is a fiery little part of our bodies that can get us into a lot of trouble, as well as do a lot of good. Over and over we read about and see how our tongues are one of the most influential tools we have. The tongue can whisper, spreading rumors and hurting others. It can yell, and convince others. It can be very deadly, yet so terribly sly. The tongue can also do good things. It can encourage and praise. It can lead others in prayer and singing to the glory of God. It can influence even the hardest of hearts.

How can we use our tongues to influence others in the right way then? Start off by praying for them. If there is someone you know, guy or girl, who you know needs to change their ways, start by praying. You can also gently reprimand or give suggestions, but do this in love. You can praise people on their strong points and inspire individuals to lead. The key is to be tactful, and do all in love. And truthfully, if you cannot do it in love, then please keep your mouth closed. Cutting people down is a whole lot worse than saying nothing at all.

And then we women always go back to the question of guys... How can we influence GUYS with our tongues? What I wrote in the paragraph above stills applies. Encourage, take interest, praise them on their strengths and inspire them to lead. If they are erring or need to step it up in a certain area, let them know that. But, only do it kindly, as a sister in Christ, and please, do it appropriately. I know, the balance is hard. I truthfully have not mastered it yet. I am no professional on this, I am just going by what God's word says, and am learning right along with you.

Your Body:
The biggest messages are sent with our body, our non-verbal communication. Our hand gestures, facial expressions, the way we carry and present ourselves, and so on. We can be seductive and fake. We can appear to be one person on the outside, but on the inside be someone completely different. We can lure others in to sin by simply dressing with our own interests in mind. We can also be genuine in with our bodies. We can show respect to ourselves and others around us by what we wear. We can act sincerely and, I believe, even inspire others through our actions and example. Christ does say that we will be known by our fruits, which are essentially, our actions.

Influencing others in the right way? How is that suppose to work? Well, present yourself for who you are, don't be fake. Dress so as to respect yourself and others. Dress so that you are not causing a fellow brother or sister to fall into sin. Act appropriately, calmly, and respectfully. Act in such a way that your example clearly shows that your worship the One and Only True Lord and King of all, GOD, not man. Be truly humble in your actions.

Now, for the application in regards to the men in our lives. Dress modestly, respecting yourself, yet not causing a fellow brother to stumble. And guys to appreciate beauty; don't wear a huge hoody all the time, that is now what I would consider respecting yourself!!! Act appropriately and be an example of Christ. Don't be loud and boisterous. Don't be in their face all the time. Be humble and kind towards all others around you. Be someone who guys want to be around. Take interest, and keep your body language open.

This doesn't all start today... it takes time to 'know what you are doing'. It takes practice and patience, and yes, you will mess up. But, this should be your goal: inspire guys around you to be the men God created them to be through your actions and words. Inspire them to be leaders, to respect others, and most importantly, follow after and strive to be like Christ. I know of men who were sent to their knees in prayer because of the influence of a woman in their lives. Do your words and actions inspire the men around you to seek a deeper relationship with Christ?

As women, we have a HUGE responsibility!!! God has created us with the ability to greatly influence the men in our lives for both good and evil. This is a daunting task, that we can only complete with God's help. But, don't give up!!!

My question for you, ladies, is: What are you doing with this ability?

Part 5 – Snapshot Project

This year I wanted to focus on taking random shots that are part of our time there every year, but that we don’t necessarily ever think about. Moments, little things along the path that are ignored, things like that.

Knots on the deck wood and screws holding the dock together