There are a lot of times in life when you want someone else to act in a desired way. Its faster and strokes our ego to control them into behaving the way we want them too. This is manipulation. Think Benjamin Linus on the TV show Lost. He manipulated everyone and always got his way. Turns out he lived a pretty miserable and lonely life.
Influence is created through grace, connectedness, friendship, and other really great positive things.
Ask yourself: are you seeking influence or control in the lives of the people around you?
How does that play out in marriage? Talk amongst yourselves.
