Influences
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Influences

by Steve Rensner on November 03, 2021

SEE THE GOOD

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

Influences

How do you know when you have been influenced? Usually we see the evidence of influence when our actions or decisions directly reflect those of the influencer. After spending a week at my Uncle’s during summer vacation I would come home using his phrases, words, and gestures. Clothing may be worn as a result of direct influence from classmates or movie, TV, and athletic stars. Our appearance such as hair styles may be the result of some form of influence. Each day we are presented with a host of possible people or things that would take hold and redirect us through influence.

Our parents would typically be our first and greatest people of influence. Teachers have tremendous influences as well. As children grow older their peers now take over the major influencing role. Some influence is for our good while others may be harmful. My in-laws began smoking as teenagers because of the influences that they followed. We commend them for stopping many years ago. This was then received as a positive influence for others to emulate. 

As Christians we are called to influence others as they witness Christ’s love in our words, actions, and deeds. We all fail to present this influential love at times. Each day we have the opportunity to gather in this place as we take the gift of faith and actively proclaim the Good News of our salvation. Our witness is to reflect this Good News. We pray for God’s zeal enabling us to do so as we See the Good.