Influences
There is a warning and an admonition found in Psalms 1:1-2 NIV that says, 鈥淏lessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.鈥�
One of the most important lessons from these verses is about influences. Who or what is influencing your life, behavior, attitude, mindset, worldview and decision making process? Scripture certainly gives us instructions on what kind of company not to keep. Don鈥檛 walk, stand, or sit with these types of people.
1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV says, 鈥淒o not be misled, bad company corrupts good character.鈥�
Even people that start out good or are good can have their reputations damaged and their lives adversely impacted for worse by hanging out and being influenced by those with contaminated dispositions.
Actually, you are blessed, if you don鈥檛 do some things, but replace it with doing things God鈥檚 way.
Of course, the wicked, sinners and mockers probably won鈥檛 see it that way, or at least won鈥檛 admit it, but you are way better off following God鈥檚 rules for living than anything else.
Consider how many have ruined marriages because of a straying eye, and how many have decent marriages because they remained faithful as God intends. Think about how many have criminal records by getting caught up into the ill-gotten schemes of some instead of God鈥檚 way of the work ethic. How many folks have avoided addictions but lost so-called relationships when they wouldn鈥檛 engage in behavior or indulgences that lead to the bad cravings of dependence?
Influences come from family also. How often is it said, 鈥淗e is a chip off the old block鈥� in referring to a son being like his father? This may not even be referencing physical similarities, but also mannerisms and likes and dislikes. Fathers influence their children just by their presence in their lives.
Parents should be having the greatest influence on a person鈥檚 life.
Hopefully, there are encouragements, inspirations and guidance towards being a better person and seeking out God鈥檚 law, or word, into your life. Coaches, teachers, instructors all play a role in people鈥檚 lives and have influences.
Relatives/extended family should be a positive thing towards impacting an individual 鈥� Pastors, youth leaders, and Godly people are considered as salt and light, in a manner, influencing society and our culture.
And so do singers, actors, and entertainers, but we must weigh in the balance what is positive and negative, good or bad that has influenced our world. And that standard is God鈥檚 word.
Consider who is trying to get you to do things that either intuitively you understand is wrong, or you know it by judging that influence against what God says.
The course of a person鈥檚 life can be irrevocably altered by the good or bad influences that they were and are subjected to or permit. Who or what do you allow to speak into your life? Relationships? Career choices? Finances? Educational pursuits? Retirement plans?
Blessed is the person who does two things: that they don鈥檛 hang out with the wrong crowd which unduly impacts their integrity, and secondly, that they integrate what God has to say in living life as the primary, if not exclusive influence for them.
The recent phenomena that is social media has brought about influences never before seen because of the instantaneous element, and the fact that pretty much anyone engaged in social media can have a voice and try to influence others in their social circle.
We should always exercise caution when any type of sensationalism is expressed and verify its intent and accuracy.
Fortunately, there is one source that always has credibility and integrity, and is trustworthy: That is the Bible.
When we allow God鈥檚 word to influence our heart, mind and soul, we become better Christians and people, and for that, the church, society, neighborhoods, families, culture and the world is the better place because of it.
How much does God鈥檚 word influence you compared to everything else?