Clout

This term means to have “informal influence or power, especially in politics or business”. Sometimes it’s hard to see who’s wielding influence behind the scenes. People who are in political power lean on others close to them for counsel and advice (aka clout). Clout can also come to a leader of significant influence who speaks truth and doesn’t have a hidden agenda. I think of Billy Graham as one who has shown great clout among world leaders and presidents, but he has never been elected to such an office.

Jeremiah had a lot of clout with the invading Babylonians. I’m sure he was wondering where this came from – but the Lord provided it for him. Check this out…

1 The word came to Jeremiah from the Lord after Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard had released him at Ramah. He had found Jeremiah bound in chains among all the captives from Jerusalem and Judah who were being carried into exile to Babylon. 2 When the commander of the guard found Jeremiah, he said to him, “The Lord your God decreed this disaster for this place. 3 And now the Lord has brought it about; he has done just as he said he would. All this happened because you people sinned against the Lord and did not obey him. 4 But today I am freeing you from the chains on your wrists. Come with me to Babylon, if you like, and I will look after you; but if you do not want to, then don’t come. Look, the whole country lies before you; go wherever you please.” 5 However, before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Go back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the towns of Judah, and live with him among the people, or go anywhere else you please.”

Then the commander gave him provisions and a present and let him go. 6 So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah and stayed with him among the people who were left behind in the land. (Jeremiah 40:1-6 NIV)

I love how the enemy of Judah treated Jeremiah. He was treated honorably because of his honesty and purity of heart. He followed the Lord fully and spoke what the Lord told him to speak even if it meant becoming captive or even worse-death. A person with clout usually has great integrity and character. They are honest and honorable even when it’s unpopular. They don’t just say what others want them to say, they speak candidly and honestly.

I want to have clout for the Lord’s cause. I want to speak His truth and walk out my faith no matter whom I’m with or whom I’m working for. I want to be faithful to the Lord like Jeremiah because I believe the Lord notices faithfulness. I want to have clout with my family. I want to have clout with co-workers and colleagues. I want everything I do to honor the Lord who provides the clout.