Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

INFLUENCE While men have authority, women exercise influence. Any careful observer of group dynamics understands that influence is a greater power than authority. For example, politicians know that their authority will be quickly stripped away if those with influence are disillusioned with them. A wise woman recognizes and respects the power God gives her and exercises it carefully. Wives have deep influence on their husbands, even though they may not realize it. God's Word says: Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear (1 Peter 3:1-2). The Greek word translated "conversation" (in the King James Version) actually means "behavior." The wife's life of godly behavior will have great impact on the husband. Even without hearing the Word preached, he can see Christ's love in his wife and may seek the Savior from her testimony. Paul refers to the same principle: And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy (1 Corinthians 7:13-14). A godly wife has great influence over her family because her priorities are right. It is a healthy and happy home where influence and authority cooperate to bring the greatest good and fulfillment to the family.