The Process of Proactive Influence 

Thoughts from Influence by Philip E. Morrison and Hankuri Tawus Gaya:

King Saul’s son Jonathan was a prince and a commander in Israel’s army, but he had no ultimate decision-making authority. When the Philistines invaded Israel, Saul was immobilized with fear and retreated. His frightened soldiers deserted. At this point, Jonathan influenced the affairs of the nation as a true leader. He took action to deliver his people through the process of proactive influence. This process involves a cause that moves the leader to action. When he or she takes action, they involve other people as they work together to bring change. It can be illustrated this way:

We see this process in 1 Samuel 14:1-23. Jonathan’s cause was that Israel had been occupied by the Philistines. He took action by faith to attack a Philistine outpost and thus modeled the way for everyone around him. Then, he involved his young armor-bearer, and these two defeated the group of Philistines. When the Philistine army started to flee in panic, Saul’s lookouts noticed and joined in the battle. And the result was change – the deliverance of the nation. 

What is exciting is that anyone, including you, can follow this pattern and influence others to become involved in a cause, take action, and bring about change. As you seek to be an influencer, ask yourself, how can I add value to the people I want to influence? This is not manipulative if your true desire is to see others succeed and to build God’s kingdom.

The people you want to involve in the change process are not just followers. Think of them as partners. They have gifts and abilities and can help share the burden of leadership.

Identify one person who you can strengthen in their faith to step out and do great things for God. What gifts and abilities do they have? How can you empower them to be who God wants them to be?