“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33…Whether we realize it or not, the people we spend a lot of time around can start to rub off on us in one way or another. It’s important that we do not allow other people to influence us in a negative way. Today’s blog entry is titled “Who’s Influencing You?”
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23
Self-denial is an important part of the Christian walk. We should consistently put God’s Word ahead of our own desires. Notice in the verse above it says “take up his cross daily”. In today’s society, there are many people, who do not follow the Bible, and basically do whatever they feel like doing. If we’re not careful, we can find ourselves picking up those types of habits, especially if we’re constantly around people who have that type of mindset. One thing that causes some people to get involved in sinful activities is something commonly known as “Peer Pressure” (A person doing something as a result of wanting to fit in, and/or be accepted by a group of people). This is something that is often talked about when referring to kids, youth, growing up, etc. However, there are many adults who are also affected by peer pressure (for example, someone on the job who wants to fit in with co-workers). As Christians, we shouldn’t allow fear of what people think of our Christian lifestyle to cause us to get involved in sinful activities. We should speak the truth and represent Jesus Christ. As it says in Luke 9:26, “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.”
It’s a good idea for us to examine ourselves on a regular basis. We should take a look at what’s driving us. If we notice that we’re allowing other people’s opinions to dictate the way we live (instead of the Word of God) we should repent, and renew our mind with the Word of God. It’s important to realize that many unbelievers (and some born again Christians) may not have received the same type of teaching and instruction that you have received, which can greatly impact the way they carry themselves. As a result, there are many people who haven’t been taught much about God, who are influencing people who have been taught a whole lot about God. As Christians we should be influencing the world in a positive way instead of allowing the world to influence us in a negative way.
Sometimes a person may try to influence you in subtle ways. The may try to pull you into sinful things that seem harmless, yet the bible lets us know that "the wages of sin is death" (See Romans 6:23). Sin is nothing to play with. If a person is trying to pull you into sinful activities, it’s a good idea to give that person some space (continue to pray for them). As we continue to grow in our walk with Christ, let us strive to represent Him every day of our lives. Be led by God, and stand firm on His Word.
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23
Self-denial is an important part of the Christian walk. We should consistently put God’s Word ahead of our own desires. Notice in the verse above it says “take up his cross daily”. In today’s society, there are many people, who do not follow the Bible, and basically do whatever they feel like doing. If we’re not careful, we can find ourselves picking up those types of habits, especially if we’re constantly around people who have that type of mindset. One thing that causes some people to get involved in sinful activities is something commonly known as “Peer Pressure” (A person doing something as a result of wanting to fit in, and/or be accepted by a group of people). This is something that is often talked about when referring to kids, youth, growing up, etc. However, there are many adults who are also affected by peer pressure (for example, someone on the job who wants to fit in with co-workers). As Christians, we shouldn’t allow fear of what people think of our Christian lifestyle to cause us to get involved in sinful activities. We should speak the truth and represent Jesus Christ. As it says in Luke 9:26, “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.”
It’s a good idea for us to examine ourselves on a regular basis. We should take a look at what’s driving us. If we notice that we’re allowing other people’s opinions to dictate the way we live (instead of the Word of God) we should repent, and renew our mind with the Word of God. It’s important to realize that many unbelievers (and some born again Christians) may not have received the same type of teaching and instruction that you have received, which can greatly impact the way they carry themselves. As a result, there are many people who haven’t been taught much about God, who are influencing people who have been taught a whole lot about God. As Christians we should be influencing the world in a positive way instead of allowing the world to influence us in a negative way.
Sometimes a person may try to influence you in subtle ways. The may try to pull you into sinful things that seem harmless, yet the bible lets us know that "the wages of sin is death" (See Romans 6:23). Sin is nothing to play with. If a person is trying to pull you into sinful activities, it’s a good idea to give that person some space (continue to pray for them). As we continue to grow in our walk with Christ, let us strive to represent Him every day of our lives. Be led by God, and stand firm on His Word.
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” – 2 Corinthians 10:5