The Top 3 Most Powerful Influences In Our Life
Influence (Noun)- the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others:
We are all under the influence of something. Cops use this phrase all the time, he was driving under the influence. Now there are breathalyzers and blood tests to measure someone’s blood alcohol level. When a person comes into the ER they tell us “I only had 2 drinks,” but the results of their blood tests, tells the real story.
In 2016 over 10,000 people in Colorado were arrested for DUI’s. Being under the influence of alcohol clouds judgement and allows not good choices to impact the future. Being under the influence, influences them in ways they would normally not be influenced.
'Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit.' Ephesians 5:18Click To TweetI don’t know if you’ve come across this verse before. But I always found it odd how the Holy Spirit is compared to wine. Looking closer I see why. Being intoxicated on wine ruins our judgement controlling our minds. Paul is trying to express to the Ephesians be filled with the Holy Spirit instead which leads to self-control. Sounds boring right? In reality we receive so much more in our self-control. Being filled with the Holy Spirit isn’t just a one time filling but a regular pattern of life.
What Really Influences Us?
FRIENDS. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been influenced by my friends when I was growing up. Somewhere along the way I valued what my friends thought more than what God thought. I fell to peer pressure over and over again, reaping the consequences every time. We are who we hang out with. If we hang out with others who curse chances are we’ll start cursing. If we hang out with others who (fill in the blank) ______________________ chances are we will start doing what they are doing. We are influenced by those in our inner circle.
“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20
Being influenced requires a regular pattern of life. A regular filling. A regular receiving.
What kind of fruit is growing in your life?
What Influences Your Life?
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