Influence, Again

I've written before on the topic of influence. But it's a recurring theme on my heart for some time. By some time, I think, more like a life time. I know that some people seem to have the ability to let all things disagreeable to slide off their backs without a second thought. However, I don't think that most people do. I want to express some of my thoughts about consideration and respect for others.

We are constantly evaluating ideas, motives, and reasoning. If someone does something differently than you it's easy to see the contrast. We compare. We ask ourselves if our way is the best way. Sometimes we choose to do something a certain way because it is most practical, efficient, inexpensive, traditional, etc. Maybe it's why and not how. From parenting to healthy eating and so much more we all have ideas as to what is best. Often, we we think we have found the new best thing and we want to share it with everyone and get others involved. Even Hollywood has jumped on the latest and unlikely fad of 'natural' parenting.

I don't think there's anything wrong with sharing ideas and discussing them. Even expressing your disgust with particular issues. However, I see that it is tempting for people to turn their strong opinions into moral convictions and then press them on others. You may feel like you've won a great prize if you can convince others but in the grand scheme of things if all you've really done is guilt someone into doing something by making them feel like a bad mom/wife/person, is it really worth it? And what is guilt where there is no sin?

For example, let me share some experience from my adventures in cloth diapering. I started doing it to save money. Not to save the earth. Not because I thought it was better for my baby. Although, P was having some rash issues and I thought this might help (it didn't, she had a milk intolerance). Anyway, cloth diapering can actually save you some money. Not very much money if you buy fancy diapers and only use them for one child. Actually, you might end up spending more that way! But I made my own, so we were saving a ton. As I was researching I began coming across a wide span of voices that touted cloth diapering as superior for many reasons. Less use of resources, for example. (Not less water!) Many of these mothers who had probably started cloth diapering for practical reasons had become monsters. Their way was the best way. One voice even likened disposable diapering to child abuse! This. Is. Outrageous. Cloth diapering does not make you a good mom.

Seeing your influence make a difference in someone else's life is such a blessing but don't confuse it with bullying, fear mongering or false guilt. I have a lot of strong opinions on a lot of weighty topics. (I don't think cloth diapering should be considered a 'weighty topic'!) But when it is not clearly a sin issue, it is not worth pursuing an issue against friends. I want to remind myself and encourage others to respect the decisions of others and to love them. Not with an attitude of hoping that they will some day attain your level of superiority but that we could sincerely trust that God is working in all of our lives, since we have not yet been transformed to the full righteousness of Christ.