An influencer is someone who has the ability to shape or affect the character, decisions, or direction of others through their words, actions, and attitudes. In a marriage, a wife has a unique and God-given position to be a significant influencer in her husband’s life. This influence can either lead to godliness and growth or, as seen in some biblical examples, to destruction and disobedience. Let’s explore how a wife can embrace her role as a positive influencer in her husband’s life, destiny, and spiritual growth.
1. Influence for Evil: Lessons from Jezebel and Solomon’s Wives
Jezebel’s Negative Influence (1 Kings 21:25):
The Bible explicitly says, “There was no one like Ahab. No one had so often chosen to do what the Lord said was wrong. His wife Jezebel influenced him to do evil.” ICB. Jezebel influenced her husband, King Ahab, to commit great evil, including idol worship and the unjust killing of Naboth to seize his vineyard. Her influence pushed Ahab further into sin and rebellion against God.
Solomon’s Wives (1 Kings 11:3-4):
The Bible records that Solomon had many wives who led him away from God:
“For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David” (1 Kings 11:4).
Both examples warn of the destructive power of ungodly influence. A wife who prioritizes personal or worldly desires above God’s will can inadvertently (or deliberately) lead her husband away from God’s purpose for his life.
2. Influence for Good: Lessons from Godly Women
While there are examples of negative influence, the Bible also highlights wives who used their influence to encourage obedience, faith, and spiritual growth.
Manoah’s Wife: A Model of Faithful Influence (Judges 13:2-24):
Manoah’s wife, though unnamed, demonstrated faith and wisdom that significantly influenced her husband.
- Spiritual Discernment: When the angel of the Lord appeared to her and gave instructions about the birth of Samson, she listened attentively and obeyed.
- Partnership with Her Husband: She immediately relayed the angel’s message to Manoah, involving him in God’s plan for their family.
- Godly Example: Her obedience to God’s instructions ensured that Samson was set apart as a Nazirite, fulfilling God’s purpose for his life.
Sarah’s Influence on Abraham:
Sarah, though not perfect, influenced Abraham in moments of faith. For instance, in Genesis 21:12, God affirmed her counsel to Abraham regarding sending Hagar and Ishmael away: “Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called.” This shows that a wife’s godly insight can align with God’s will for her family.
Abigail’s Wisdom (1 Samuel 25):
Abigail intervened to prevent her husband, Nabal, from bringing disaster upon their household. Her wisdom and quick action impressed David, and she ultimately became an example of how a wife’s righteous influence can avert calamity and bring honour to God.
3. Practical Ways Wives Can Be Positive Influencers
(a) Encouraging Spiritual Growth:
- Pray for and with your husband regularly. James 5:16 says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much,” and this principle applies to a wife’s prayers for her husband.
- Encourage him to grow in his relationship with God by studying Scripture together.
(b) Speaking Life and Affirmation:
- Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” A wife’s words can either build up or tear down. Speaking words of encouragement, affirmation, and faith can inspire your husband to pursue God’s will.
(c) Demonstrating Faith through Actions:
- 1 Peter 3:1-2 teaches wives to influence their husbands through godly conduct: “…That even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.”
(d) Submitting to God’s Will Together:
- A wife who partners with her husband in seeking God’s will creates an atmosphere of unity and purpose. Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” A wife’s willingness to align her life with God’s Word encourages her husband to do the same.
God bless you richly in Jesus Name. Amen. Please look out for part-2 of this article.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer:
- Holy Spirit, please give me the grace to submit to my husband as on to God’s expectation of me, in Jesus Name
- Holy Spirit, please help me so that my mouth will not be used by the enemy to destroy my home. Instead, let my mouth become Your instrument to build my home, in Jesus Name
