There's something winsome and wonderfully compelling about those whom God is making strong. They're easier to get along with, easier to work with and live with, more gentle and genial. Their goodness is like old wine--mellow and fragrant. They have a profound and bewildering effect upon others. Their actions keep reminding people of . . . well, of God.
That sort of influence cannot be conjured up or contrived . . . self-conscious influence is pretentious and puts people off. It looks like what is is: self-righteousness, and it annoys
others to no end. When we try to be influential we become aggressive and intrusive. We crowd people and push them away from truth. (When we do so, we're sure of just one ally--the devil.) But those whom God is making good are powerfully persuasive. They have a fragrance like a subtle perfume. Wherever they go they leave the unforgettable aroma of their Lord. (David Roper)