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Sir,

Life is all about influence, whether positive or negative. The more we are able to see crises that come our way as opportunities for influence, the more useful we are going to be positioned to making a difference in the lives of others.

Every man has influence, no matter what level of education, personality type, career, rich or poor, single or married, young or old.

Influence

The question is what are you going to do with the influence you have? How are you going to impact the people within your sphere of your influence? Every one of us has influence; we all have an impact on the people around us. It is time we became more for the love of money and things that most people link with status. The Holy Book does states that the love of money is the beginning of all evil. The greatest pity is that this truth eludes Christians and pastors.

Convictions

The other factor I have seen to encourage continued corruption is the fact that government seems to think that arrests are the ultimate punishment. intentional and strategic in the use of our influence. Our words and actions have more influence and impact than we realise.

Impact

Excellence in our words and character is one of the keys to living a life of influence and impact.

Most people usually think only of money and how to get more of it, but we must think about the impact of our actions or words, especially on the younger generation. Influence is about serving others. It is doing all kinds of things that no one sees, notices or even thank you for. It is you being a servant of the community. We must embrace the words of Paul in the New Testament: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but for the interests of

others.” Selfishness is the enemy of positive influence on others.

We must live significant lives by serving others, mentoring others and by empowering others. Good mentors are those who have acquired knowledge, wisdom and good character through the journey of life. Loving and caring for people is a great ingredient to influencing people positively.

If you study the life of Jesus in the New Testament, you will notice that His great point of influence was love and care for the people around him. To live a significant life is not just to be famous, but to use our fame to influence others positively. To be famous is simply to be known, but to be great is to make a positive difference in someone’s life. You have influence, so use it for the betterment of the country.

Charles