Influencer

Up early thinking about influence. Influence is a theme that is discussed throughout Scripture. It warns against personal influence: 1 Corinthians 15:33 Evil (or, bad, worthless, wicked, vicious, malicious, cowardly, destructive) company (or, companionship, communion, conversation, speech, talk) corrupts (or, destroys, spoils, waste away, to utterly decay, to corrupt fully, to deprave) good (or, moral, useful, pleasing, virtuous) habits (or, morals, character, one’s manner of life). It warns against mental influence: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. And of course it warns against spiritual influence: Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.

As men we are charged to be ambassadors of biblical standards in a fallen world. As men we are called to be counter cultural. We are called to hold to a standard far removed from the standard the world seeks to impose. In order to do so we have to be very aware and very careful about the atmosphere with which we surround ourselves. Friends, Film, Music and Mannerisms all have an impact on our walk with Christ. Remember Satan seeks to undermine your calling through crushing or corruption. If he can’t crush you through circumstances, he will corrupt you through company. I’m beginning to reassess my environment. As men, we can get lazy in our walk and begin adjusting our principles to avoid conflict with a world that is averse to biblical principle. I’m not saying to be a scold waging your finger at people around you. I’m saying hold yourself to a higher standard, communicate that standard and make sure it’s respected. Men, be different. Be biblical.