My daily Bible study focuses on the Book of Proverbs. I’ve been doing that for about six years now. That’s what most influences me. Keep reading to find out other influencers.
We all have the capacity to think critically, be discerning, and then take action using good judgment. Certainly we can develop discernment and critical thinking skills. As such, we improve the quality of our decisions and the rightness of our actions.
One essential element of critical thinking is our ability to carefully and rationally select those things that we allow to influence us. Divine guidance most certainly should be an influence for a person of faith.
However, even a person of faith can still be simple minded in how they think and act if they lack discernment, and thus believe everything they’re told.
Proverbs 25.26 teaches that when a righteous person “falls down before” (that is endorses, believes in) a godless leader they’re like a spring that puts out corrupt water. proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Politics of Influence
The current political environment in the U.S. is a great example of what happens when there’s a lack of critical thinking. People readily accept extremist propaganda from the Left and the Right that’s put forward in the form of conspiracy theories.
Conversely, someone who is discerning will ask “Where’s the proof?” That is, “What solid evidence that’s widely publicized and agreed upon exists to prove what’s being alleged?”
Certainly, calling something an “alternate truth” doesn’t make it true!
What’s the outcome of acting on false information? One example is the mob that took over the U.S. Capitol building. They were sincere in their beliefs. Unfortunately, there’s no evidence – two years after the fact – to confirm the conspiracies that were the basis for their beliefs.
The result? Those who participated are, at the time of this writing, receiving multi-year sentences for various crimes from juries of their peers.
In general, I’m a political moderate. Thus, I’m (generally) looking for views that find consensus rather than pander to extremist. “My way or the highway” politicians don’t work for me.
Where does that moderate view end up? Well, I get it that my moderate political views don’t leave me with me many options in the highly polarized world of U.S. politics!
However, my personal faith is in God, not in politicians. Especially those politicians who claim to be religious, then commit crimes or pardon convicted felons!
From Proverbs 29.12 we learn that a godless leader surrounds him/herself with liars. Why such a level of utter corruption? Because the truth gets in the way of the godless leader’s self-consumed objectives. The converse of Proverbs 29.12 is found in Proverbs 20.26 where we read that a wise leader “scatters the wicked.” Thus, the wise leader refuses to accept godless influence. proverbsforprofessionals.net
News Sources as Influencers
I’m very selective about news sources. As a former business school dean, I read the Wall Street Journal. Well duh! I also skim the headlines of the New York Times just to see what the liberal press is saying about America.
For instance, what are liberals saying about the religious Right? I’m afraid evangelicals are not helping build credibility with the unsaved world by behavior that’s criticized for being hypocritical. The current turmoil in the Southern Baptist Convention in regard to sexual predators is one example.
Unsurprisingly, I’m not a fan of far Right, or Right-leaning news sources. Why not? Here’s one example. I honestly cannot buy their explanation that the armed mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol was a protest that “got a little out of hand.”
Proverbs 16.21 teaches that the wise hearted are discerning. And, they are growing in their knowledge of the world around them. In short, a precept-driven character can tell right from wrong. That’s the essence of discernment according to 1 Kings 3.9, as shared by Solomon. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Proverbs as an Influencer
My daily Bible study focuses on the Book of Proverbs. I’ve been doing that for about six years now.
My focus is on learning and applying those universal precepts into my own life. Then, I share those precepts with others through my blog and LinkedIn posts.
In short, at this stage of my life, the precepts that are the basis for wisdom are the single biggest influence in my life.
Now, Proverbs isn’t the only scripture I read, but it’s certainly my focus as I’m looking for practical applications I can give away to others.
Why did I select Proverbs? Because at the time I started the study in 2016 I was still a year out from being appointed dean of the business school. I was nearing the end of my academic career, but still very interested in my own professional development.
Moreover, I wanted to combine my professional development with my own personal, spiritual growth.
Proverbs satisfied both of those areas for where I desired to grow.
Here’s the personal and professional growth equation put forward in Proverbs 18.1:
1). Deeply desire to grow. 2). Focus your efforts very specifically on that growth, to the exclusion of other activities. 3). Find sound content, such as the universal precepts of wisdom, to guide your growth. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Personal Growth Literature
Obviously, Proverbs isn’t the only source of wisdom. Similarly, Solomon wasn’t the only wise person. See 1 Kings 4.31 for a list of others who were wise. According to Proverbs Chapter 8 wisdom was present at creation and was used by God as He “created the heaven and the earth.”
There are numerous sources for becoming more self-aware, for building leadership skills, and for developing the various other traits that are part of personal growth. Here, I’m going to focus on a single source. I’m not saying it’s the best or that it’s unique. I am saying the principles are fairly universal, thus are a life essential.
I want to focus on the first three habits from Covey’s book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Those three habits are foundational, I believe, for living a fulfilled and productive life.
The chapters of that book that cover these three habits should be required reading for all high school seniors. In short, don’t miss this!
Three Essential Practices
Habit 1 is about being proactive. A proactive person takes responsibility for the outcomes in his/her life. Conversely, they don’t sit around waiting for “their prince to come” like Snow White did.
Actually, life is not a fairy tale – your prince isn’t coming!
A proactive person isn’t a victim. They don’t blame their life outcomes on others. Instead, they accept responsibility for changing themselves so their life outcomes will change. Hence, the importance of a focus on growing personally and professionally.
This first Habit says very clearly I am purposeful about my life choices.
Similarly, I like to say we should live with purpose, on purpose. That is, know your life purpose then intentionally pursue that life purpose.
Habit 1 is all about intentionality and accountability. Thus, sowing and reaping.
Habit 2 says to begin with the end in mind. Therefore, be goal oriented. Have a target. Envision your future self, or some specific accomplishment you desire. Combine that desire with very specific action to move you toward the goal.
How do I know the desired end point? Well, by thinking very critically about who I am, where I want to go, and why I want to go there. I then begin to construct an action plan for reaching that desired end point in my life.
Habit 2 says I know where I’m going. Consequently, I have clarity about life purpose and the goals that are associated with that purpose.
Habit 3 says first things first. This Habit speaks to priorities. It pushes us to say NO to many things so we can focus our energy on our life ambition. First things first changes our behavior. It means some things will NOT get done because they’re NOT a priority.
How do I determine my priorities? Start with your life purpose at any given stage in your life. Ask “Why should I be doing this?” My actions should directly support my life purpose. In short, our priorities must be purpose-driven.
The alternative? Be all over the place with unfocused activities. Don’t forget the old saying: “Activity is no substitute for productivity!”
Habit 3 says I know what the first thing is AND I make that first thing the first thing!
Therefore:
Be proactive.
Live with purpose.
Be driven by priorities!
Some Takeaways
We all get to choose our influences, which in turn, drive our behavior. If you want good outcomes in your life, choose your influences wisely.
Each one of us is an influencer. Our personal influence occurs when we share with others those life truths that have most impacted us. So, choose your life truths wisely.
Perception is indeed the reality we choose to live in. So, choose your perceptions wisely.
Belief alone isn’t enough. Why? Because beliefs can be based on lies.
Sincerity alone isn’t enough. Why? Because unchallenged perceptions can be deadly.
Desire alone isn’t enough. Why? Because desire without intentional action is a waste.
Don’t forget that the truth makes us free. Also, don’t forget who is The Truth. Truth is absolute; it’s not “alternate.” Base your beliefs on the precepts found in scripture.
Never forget the most basic formula for behavioral change as presented in Proverbs Chapter 1, verses 2 through 7: Discernment and critical thinking combine to fuel good judgment, which in turn, enables us to behave wisely. THINK-DECIDE-ACT!