Influence

There’s an interesting play written by Aristophanes in 411BC during the Peloponnesian War. Athens and Sparta were in a long, brutal war and there seemed to be no end in sight. In the play the women of both cities want to pressure the men into negotiating peace. They conspire together to not sleep with their husbands until the war is over – within a week the men agree to peace and there is an end to war.

Meant to be a humorous and timely story, I find this a compelling illustration of influence. God has created women with tremendous influence – influence on their husbands, children, communities, and the marketplace. Something about women sways the hearts of men, and the people around them.

As Mother’s Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on how God created women and the influence He seems to have designed women to have. How are we using the influence God has given us? Rather than using our influence to manipulate, prod or get our own way, I pray we will exercise wisdom and influence others for their good and the glory of God.

– Kim Bonus