Who is your greatest influence? If it is not the Lord Jesus Christ, it is time to make a change! We all have influences and influencers in our lives. Sometimes it is stuff. Ideas. Groups. Philosophies. Friends. Family. Co-workers. Fellow homeless people. Prison-mates. Teachers. Books. Programs. Politicians. Well-known heroes from long ago. Movie characters. Actors. On and on it goes. Nobody, and nothing, should be a greater influencer and influence in our lives than God almighty and the Bible. Anything and anyone that does not line up with the Lord and His ways we should not allow to influence us. Nor should we influence others in any way, shape, or form that does not line up with God and the Bible.
In this present day world, much of this world is being influenced by the devil and the flesh, by the world’s wickedness, by anything and everything and everyone but the Lord and the Bible. What does the Lord in the Bible have to say?
“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” 3 John 1:11
No matter how much of this world has its back turned against God and the Bible, even when this regards family, friends, co-workers, teachers, programs, schoolbooks, the media, the television, magazines and books, recovery groups, bosses, counselors, anyone or anything at all, I beg of you DO NOT be influenced in any way that will cause you to displease, dishonor, and disobey God almighty.
Do not be a follower and imitator of this world, friend. Be a follower and imitator and be influenced by the Lord! Live for Him! Live according to His ways! May the Lord be your greatest influencer and influence! Hallelujah, amen!
“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 1 Timothy 6:11
“Be ye therefore followers [imitators in some Bible versions]of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2