The Way of the World

 They have an effect on our day.  They have an effect on our life.  They can either build you up...or they can bring you down.  God gives us the good ones; Satan sends the bad ones to us.  What are they?


 Influences.


 Although we are surrounded by them -- both good and bad -- daily, we have a choice of which ones we're going to let influence us.  2 Corinthians 7:1 says, "Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." (NIV)  


 In each area of our lives, there are both good and bad influences.  Games, for example.  A lot of people enjoy playing board games!  But, what are you playing?  Make sure that what you're playing is honoring to God.


 Music is another area of great influence -- again, good and bad.  I know music is a very controversial subject, but everyone has a line where they say, "This is good and this is not.".  There is a lot of music out there that talks about horrible things, and that is definitely not God-honoring.  Some people only hear the music -- they refuse to listen to what's being talked about.  If it's too rock music-y, or too pop, it's bad to some people.  I also believe that it's not just the song that has influence -- it's the person singing.  Do they live a godly life?  Maybe they're professing to be believers of the One true God, but does the life their living follow what they profess?  They need to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.


 Movies and TV are next on my list of being big influences.  Most of the time, we look past the plot and focus on the content -- and that's how we judge whether or not it's okay to watch.  Some movies, although the content is horrible, have a great story line!  


 Friends are another big influences.  A question that I've been asking lately is, "Should I not hang out with them because they can influence me or should I hang out with them because I can influence them?"  Friends are important, we can't forget that, but we need to make sure that we are influencing them in a good way, and that we watch to make sure they aren't influencing us in a bad way.


 When I taught this lesson to my Bright Lights group, I read two more Bible verses.  The first one was Psalm 119:37 which says, "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; persevere my life according to Your word."(NIV).  The second one was 2 Timothy 2:22 which reads, "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (NIV).  


 Are we going to let the bad influences influence us or are we going to recognize they're wrong and do something about it?  The choice is ours.


 I hope this post was encouraging to you today!  God bless!


 ~Sierra