The Weight of Influence

"Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6
 
Leadership always comes with weight. Whether you are leading a family, a team, a classroom, a ministry, or simply holding influence over the lives of others, your presence carries power. And with that power comes responsibility.
 
Eli was a high priest in Israel. He served faithfully in the tabernacle, fulfilling his duties and guiding the people in the worship of God. From the outside, he looked like a man of strength and spiritual wisdom. But the story turns painful when we look beyond the pulpit and into his home. Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who also served in the house of God. But their hearts were far from the God they were supposed to represent. They abused their position, exploited people, and lived without integrity.
 
And what is most striking in the story is that God does not place the blame solely on the sons. He holds Eli accountable. He had the authority to confront their behavior, to challenge their direction, to discipline what needed correcting. But instead, he remained passive. He chose peace over truth. He allowed their character to unravel unchecked.
 
It is a cautionary tale for anyone in a position of influence. If God has trusted you with people to guide, whether they are your children, your team, your church, or your circle, then you cannot afford to lead publicly and neglect what matters privately.
 
Influence is not just about how well you lead when others are watching. It is about the standard you uphold when no one is. It is not enough to be respected in the streets if you are not also trusted at home.
 
God calls leaders to be bold enough to speak truth, even when it is uncomfortable. To train up others, not just with words, but with example. And most of all, to prioritize character over charisma.
 
If you have been entrusted with influence, take it seriously. You are shaping more than you see. The legacy you leave will not only be in what you built, but in who you built. Teach those around you to honor God by how you walk with Him yourself. That is the kind of leadership that makes a lasting difference.