SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1324

“Influence”

Ahaziah…did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. – 1 Kings 22:51-52

While serving in the Navy my ship was home ported in Sardinia, an island off the coast of Italy. I worked closely with two individuals who were from West Virginia and Kentucky. I returned home after a year with a southern drawl accent and my parents wondered if I had really been in Italy.

I mention this to illustrate the power of influence that our environment can have on us. Influence is defined as: The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

We are Influenced – We become what we behold. We in turn influence others. Is our influence positive for the Kingdom of God? Or is our influence destructive to the environment and spiritual health of others?

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. – Proverbs 13:20

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17

Christian Influence: Jesus provided His ‘environmental impact statement’ for His church when He declared that we are salt and light. The light of Christ and the Living water of His Word are a positive influence in the environment of this world and on those whom we encounter.

You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:13-16

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. – John 7:38

One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. – Proverbs 12:26

Parental Influence: As parents we bemoan the negative influence of television, movies, music etc. But who is really at fault? Who has failed to lead, guide, and protect their family from the evil of this world? Who has provided their children with unfettered and unsupervised access to the seedy side of the internet? When we point our index finger of accusation at those who produce sinful media, recognize that the there are three other fingers pointing back at us.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. – 2 Timothy 1:5

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:9

Individual Responsibility: We have a choice. Ahaziah had a choice. He did not have to capitulate to the negative influence of his father and perpetuate a life of sin. Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, yet he chose to make himself vulnerable to sinful influence.

For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. – 1 Kings 11:4

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. – Galatians 5:7-9

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. – Proverbs 25:28

Toxic Environmental Conditions: We are in the world. We cannot escape that fact. However, we do not have be influenced by the evil of the world, but rather, be influencers, making a positive impact for the Kingdom of Christ.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. – Philippians 2:15

Hazmat Suit: We cannot withstand the toxic slurry of this world without the protection of the full armor of God. Fending off the negative influence of the world and making a positive impact is not a matter of sheer will and strength. It requires spiritual armor, spiritual strength, and weapons that fight spiritual battles.

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. – Zechariah 4:6

May you stay in the Word and strong in the Lord.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-11