1. “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth…” Proverbs 22:1

2.  Why is your influence/reputation important? (Matt. 5:14-16)  How effective will you be in spreading God’s word if your influence is tainted? (I Peter 2:11-12)  If you teach what you do not practice, can you say that you are better than the Pharisees? (Matt. 6:1-8) Your Reputation is at Stake!

3.  God’s People?  Your Family?  Those Who Are Lost? How’s Your Influence With…

4.  Eldership Qualifications (Titus 1:5-9/I Tim. 3:1-7)  Why does God desire a man who is “above reproach” and has a “good reputation” to shepherd His flock?  “…holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” …With God’s People?

5.  This should be true for all Christians!  The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20)  We all have the responsibility to teach and further the word of God.  Our efforts will be greatly enhanced by retaining a good reputation/influence. …With God’s People?

6.  God has given us instruction regardless of what role we have within each of our families.  Husbands/Wives: Col. 3:18-20/Eph. 5:22-29  Parents: Prov. 22:6/Eph. 6:4  Children: Eph. 6:1-3/Col. 3:20  What kind of influence do we have if we neglect our God-given responsibilities? …With Your Family?

7.  What influence can I have on my spouse? (I Peter 3:1-2)  What influence can I have on my children? (Prov. 22:6/23:26)  Your family will know where your priorities are! Are You Influencing for Good?

8. …With Those Who Are Lost?  We live in a fish bowl whether we make that realization or not.  If we claim to be Christians, then we wear the name of Christ at all times. (I Cor. 6: 11, Eph. 5:19- 21, Matt. 12:18-21)  It isn’t a uniform that we take on or off.

9. Our Influence Is Constantly Under Examination  As sad as this thought may be, we are the only Bible that some will ever read.  The World’s Bible (# 460)  Our example is often the most powerful tool we possess in spreading God’s word.

10. Don’t Surrender Your Sword!  Satan never ceases to find ways to corrupt and destroy. (I Peter 5:8)  He will use whatever weapons we forfeit to do so.