Chasing Daylight Chapter 4

1. Describe the differences between manipulation, authority and influence. Manipulation and authority relate to controlling others for “personal gain”, while influence is “a power affecting a person…without any direct or apparent effort” (pg 117). “Authority can shape what a person does, but influence shapes who a person becomes” (pg 114). Wow, think of the power that holds!

2. Influence travels through relationships – Whose lives are you impacting? “Through our character, we pass on attitudes, values, and other life-shaping virtues. All of us pass a bit of ourselves on to others” (pg 115). Think of someone who has influenced you in a positive way. How was their character contagious and what made you want to be more like them? Are there any negative influences you need to flee from?

3. Sometimes we think we are exempt from influencing others’ lives because we don’t have the resources or knowledge that others were given. None of us are perfect. Many times we place so much guilt on ourselves for our shortcomings that we don’t feel capable of influencing others. Do we really need resources or wisdom to be a positive influence? Here’s the formula: “Having a right relationship with God results in having right relationships with others” (pg 116).

4. “Influence is not limited to our present condition” (pg 125). Our lives may not be perfect but that doesn’t mean we don’t have the ability to influence in a positive way. Influence is about who we are but also who we desire to become. When we are open to confess our sins and shortcomings, we show others what we value as the right thing to do.

Challenge: “The relationship between character and influence is like breathing – the deeper you inhale, the stronger you can exhale” (pg 126). What are you inhaling in your life? (i.e., friends, work, TV) Let’s focus this week on inhaling the character of God. Let’s breathe in His Word in a deep way and then exhale a positive influence on those around us. Take time this week to call someone who has had a positive influence on your life and let them know you appreciate them.