Influencing People: Are you a Role-Model?

“Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.” (Thomas Kempis)

“He who influences the thoughts of his times, influences all the times that follow. He has made his impress on eternity.” (Anonymous)

My brother recently came home from the Dallas, and I had the opportunity of listening to his preaching. I was amazed!

There was my younger brother pounding the pulpit with his eloquence, gesturing with gusto in stressing a point and speaking with authority, as if seeing myself in the mirror. Why is that? Ah! Behold my brother was a complete replica of me. He was not mimicking, he was simply being me -unconsciously of course. My mom whispered, as if reading my mind, "your little brother got everything from you."

The thought appalled me. Unknowingly, I have influenced my brother in a very powerful way and I was not even aware of it. The fact that we haven't seen each other for the last seven years, and yet there he is preaching like me. He even quoted a few of what I preached before -verbatim.

I am glad that I have influenced my brother in a positive way. How about you?

We influence people around us in an extra-ordinary way whether we like it or not, conscious or not, intentional or not, for better or for worst. It is a responsibility. We mold people's mind, behavior, and world views by our words, actions and way of living. It is inescapable.

Role modeling is becoming an archaic concept in the techno-world where everything can be programmed. What we are not aware of; what we say, do or think program others to replicate us. Criminals beget criminal minds and company. Religious people beget pious and moral citizens. Perverts beget wicked acts. We are an influence to our community. So, how do you replicate yourself with your influence?