Passionate people are given incredible places of influence. Influence is not for the purpose of control, but for the purpose of serving others better. It is important to keep influence pure and be inviting, not imposing. In the kingdom we bring influence by what we say and how we live our lives. The Lord is preparing us for another level of influence.
Understanding gives you a hearing heart to discern between good and evil. David's fathering, Proverbs 4:1, prepared Solomon for the choice God gave him. No other person in Scripture was offered a choice like Solomon. When we've had encounters with the Lord, how we respond to those encounters portray what we know to be true internally. The more clearly God speaks, the greater the requirement we have to follow through with what He says. God speaks in a still small voice, and hides truth in parables. He speaks softly because He is merciful.
God's design for redemption is rooted in community from beginning to end. Jesus' primary prayer before going to the cross was for oneness and a restoration of unity in the body of Christ. Moreover, Christianity must rest within the context of true intimacy, which is created in a place void of fear, where walls are down and another person can see in and impart his or her influence. It takes courage, commitment, and sacrifice to intentionally foster community, but it leads to endless rewards.
