Being Influenced and Influencing Others
From the time we are very young we are influenced by other people. Of course, we are greatly influenced by our parents. Hopefully, that was good influence to help us the rest of our life. Then, there are other family members, friends, and others who influence us. It is vital that we have the right people pour into us the right things, or we can go the wrong way in life. Also, we have influence on other people, and we should strive to help those around us grow and develop to be godly people. We need to help them with what we have learned.
King Joash became king of Judah when he was seven years old. The priest named Jehoiada was the major influence in his life to get him to become king and to rule well. (II Chronicles 24:2) "Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest." That is a great testimony about the influence of a godly priest to help a king and an entire country to be faithful to the Lord and serve Him completely. We need to do the same thing.
I think we need to take a minute and think of the people who have influenced us in our life. We need to express our thanks to those who have led us in the right way. Then, we need to recognize the ones who led us in the wrong way. We need to make sure we have rid our lives of their influence, so we will do what is pleasing in the sight of the Lord. As it has been said, "If we run with the dogs, we will have fleas." We need to confess our sins, and ask the Lord to cleanse us from those negative influences. This will ensure that we live more and more like Jesus all of our days.
Then, we need to take a minute and think of our family members and others who need our love and support. We need to pray for God to give us wisdom to know how to lead them in His will. We need to make it a priority to set aside time and resources to be a godly family member or friend. We need to write letters or send messages, as well as make personal visits and spend time with people to help them. Then, we will be able to help them to live lives that are pleasing to God.
#NHBaptistdotorg
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 25-27.