Jesus modeled influence. Influence based on love and encouragement rather than fear and punishment. Fighting for people rather than fighting against them. Over the years a lot of people have modeled this influence to great success. Rather than trying to keep the people below you in their place, you say, “If I can help them rise, I rise with them.” At work we ask, “How can I help my supervisor win? How can I help and serve my company and my clients?” At home we ask, “How can I help my kids and my spouse?” It might be that you encourage them or invest in them. If your child has an interest, then lean down and take an interest. It may not be your thing, but if it’s their thing you have to find a way to make it your thing. Learn the names of your neighbors and the people you work with. Learn what matters to them and invest a little of your time and attention in what they care about. Kingdom influence bends low to lift others up.

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