What is Influence? One of the definitions of influence is “The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself:” (Internet Bing) There can be negative influence, positive influence, inspirational influence, depressive influence, spiritual influence, moral Influence, and immoral Influence. The list goes on. Today, we look at the world we live in. Instantaneously we can interact with just about anyone on the globe. There are many influences that are trying to direct the minds of people. Television, radio, internet, newspapers, and fashion industries, to name a few, are trying to influence what we buy, how we dress, what we eat, what we read, what we watch, what we listen too, and even how we behave. The question becomes if there are so many influences that are trying to via for our attention, which should we follow?
For me there is only one influence to follow, that is Jesus Christ our great king, and Savior. His goal always includes what is best for us. He wants us to be happy and at peace. In the Bible we have a contest for influence. One example is the nation of Israel after God delivered the people from the chains of bondage and sin. Among the ranks of the people that came out of Egypt were those who had a negative moral influence. When the opportunity came, and Moses took a little longer than expected upon the mountain, these people came forward. “And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.” Exodus 32:1
Incredible. The nation saw ten great miracles that delivered the people from bondage to freedom. The nation walked through the Red Sea, and saw the defeat of the mighty army of Egypt. The same new nation saw the miracles in the desert with water bursting from the midst of a rock and creating a river of life, bread like wafers covering the ground every morning, and the winds blowing and bringing quail for meat in the evenings. Time and time again the hand of God was present. From the pillar of fire by night, to the clouds that protected the people from the hot scorching desert sun, Moses, the great influencer, was now with God on Mount Sinai to receive the 10 commandments. Each day passed and Moses was not present. With each day that passed those who had an immoral influence were able to reach the hearts and mind of the people until that terrible day came and they departed after the Baal worship. Can we learn a valuable lesson about influence? Yes
Every day, we need to come to God. Every day, we need to pray to God. Every day, we need to read His holy words found in Scripture. Every day, we need to submit to God. Why? Because every day, there are forces of influence that are fighting for our hearts and soul. If children are around other people that curse, they will begin to do likewise. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 The Bible gives us guidance on how to maintain a positive moral influence in our lives. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8.9
Backsliding and regressing back into a pre-saved state is gradual and unnoticeable. Little by little, moment-by-moment, a person slips away, until the day comes when you realize that you are no longer walking with Christ. Here are some words of insight to help us every day to stay close to God.
“Say firmly: ‘I will not spend precious moments in reading that which will be of no profit to me, and which only unfits me to be of service to others. I will devote my time and my thoughts to acquiring a fitness for God’s service. I will close my eyes to frivolous and sinful things. My ears are the Lord’s, and I will not listen to the subtle reasoning of the enemy. My voice shall not in any way be subject to a will that is not under the influence of the Spirit of God. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and every power of my being shall be consecrated to worthy pursuits’.” Adventist Home p409
“The magicians of heathen times have their counterpart in the spiritualistic mediums, the clairvoyants, and the fortune-tellers of today. The mystic voices that spoke at Endor and at Ephesus are still by their lying words misleading the children of men. Could the veil be lifted from before our eyes, we should see evil angels employing all their arts to deceive and to destroy. Wherever an influence is exerted to cause men to forget God, there Satan is exercising his bewitching power. When men yield to his influence, ere they are aware the mind is bewildered and the soul polluted. The apostle’s admonition to the Ephesian church should be heeded by the people of God today: ‘Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them’.” Acts of the Apostles p.290
May God bless us this Sabbath as worship under His influence
Angel
Angel J. Rodriguez, D.Min
Houston Central – Senior Pastor
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