Interestingly, the word “influence” as we use it is not even found in the Scriptures. The word God uses is “rule.” A person’s influence, then, is the kingdom over which he rules. Both Godly and ungodly people are given areas to rule, and the extent of a person’s rule is measured out to him by God. Since it is impossible for someone to simply walk away from his area of influence, parents, older siblings, and grandparents must all be very careful to make sure their influence is powerfully positive rather than negative. Ladies also must be careful because of the powerful influence they have over men. For those of us being influenced, we must be careful to guard ourselves against wrong influences, especially from good sources. We should also plan our lives so as to continue our influences after we are gone.