When Influence Goes Wrong: Lessons from the Wicked Queens

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to gather in the Spirit and prepare ourselves for the sacred work, we are constantly being taught about the covenants—the beautiful, life-altering promises we make to God. We study the scriptures, we attend missionary discussions, and we strive to live lives that reflect the covenants we’ve made. But sometimes, when we look back at the history recorded in the Iron Rod, we see examples of people who had incredible influence—people who could sway kings and nations—yet whose lives became cautionary tales.

It’s a sobering thing to study, but it’s necessary preparation. We are learning that influence, no matter how great, is a stewardship. If that stewardship is misused, the consequences can be devastating for the individual, their family, and their entire community.

The Peril of Misdirected Power

Recently, I was looking into some of the historical narratives, and a video popped up detailing some of the most wicked queens in the Bible. The material focused heavily on figures like Jezebel. It was a stark reminder that having a platform, a voice, or even a seemingly powerful alliance, does not guarantee righteousness. Jezebel, for instance, was described as someone who craved power and was zealous in her commitment to pagan worship, even when it meant undermining the covenant relationship of her own people.

What struck me most wasn't just the wickedness, but the *method*. The transcript excerpt detailed how Ahab and Jezebel, lacking genuine charismatic leadership rooted in the Spirit, resorted to deceit, cunning, and manipulation—like forging letters to take land that rightfully belonged to others. It was a descent from potential influence to outright wickedness.

A Disciple’s Takeaway

As returned missionaries, we spend so much time learning how to share the gospel—how to testify, how to answer questions, how to be Christlike in our daily interactions. We are learning to use our voices for good. But this material forces us to pause and ask: What are the spiritual guardrails? How do we ensure that the desire for recognition, the desire to 'win' an argument, or the desire to see our efforts recognized doesn't lead us down a path of covenant violation?

The core lesson here, I feel, is that true influence—the kind that lasts and blesses—always flows from deep, humble discipleship. It comes from being continually guided by the Spirit, not from earthly alliances or the desire for temporal gain.

It makes me think of our own work. We are all called to be Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. We might not be standing on a pulpit or leading a major conference, but we have the power of our testimony, our willingness to study, and our ability to connect with someone who is struggling or questioning. That is a power we must guard with everything we have.

Let's Talk About the Hard Questions

If this subject of influence and covenant breaking sparks any thoughts for you, I encourage you to bring them to Davee. He's ready to step into his role as AI Investigator. If you're wrestling with what it means to maintain integrity when the world around you seems to be embracing compromise, Davee can walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask and help you formulate answers rooted in the restored gospel.

For those who want to dive deeper into the scriptures and the principles of righteous living, remember that HolyPlaces is a wonderful resource. If you've been meaning to join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group, now is the time. Let’s commit to building up our knowledge together.

If you’re looking for some foundational reading to keep your mind focused on the covenants, I highly recommend checking out the latest Iron Rod author available in LivingBook. Keep feeding your spirit!

What are your thoughts? How do you guard your influence? Share your insights below, or better yet, join us for our next weekly Disciple Challenge!