Influencers are everywhere on social media. They make it their business to sell others whatever they love. But I’m thinking there’s another kind of influencer that Christians must be.
Each week at The Wilds I watch young men counselors and operational summer staff flock around my husband. They call his name from a distance and then they come to share their heart that might be full of joy, or it may be a heavy burden for which they’re seeking counsel and prayer. Dale will stop and listen, share wisdom, and pray with them. Then before they leave, they give him a huge bear hug. It warms my heart and I smile as I watch him pour his life into theirs. He’s influencing them to love the Christ he loves.
Proverbs 2:20 says,
That thou mayest walk in the way of good men,
and keep the paths of the righteous.
How wise of those young men to seek Dale out, to want his encouragement and counsel. Solomon’s words remind us that in so doing, they are better able to stay on the right path.
As I watched many conversations like that happen this week, I wondered if those boys’ parents were praying for their sons to be influenced by godly men. If so, it was certainly being answered. I’m grateful for Dale‘s solid, biblical example of a godly life that he lives before them. It’s the kind of life that overflows onto others. 
This proverb is a great verse to pray for our children and grandchildren, young or old. It would also be a great one to pray for our husband. “Lord, keep him in the way of godly men.”
We could all use the wise influence of godly men and women. Let’s have humble hearts that seek for it, but also godly lives that can give it. Who knows who might be needing the bear hug only you could give, but more importantly, the influence that will keep them on the right path!
RefreshHer 