We are all influenced by someone or something. Music, media, television, and society continues to influence and mold us every day. New methods of influence arise every day from all directions and try to catch our attention and change our perspective on the world around us for good or bad.

We are a product of what we have allowed to influence our lives. What we allow in our lives will determine the way we think and act, and what we believe and trust. Humans are different than any other created species.  We were born to be people of influence. God assigned each one of us to bear good fruit, to flourish, and to influence those around us in a positive manner.

The way we think can stop us from achieving God’s plans. Our human efforts and thinking that we are strong enough to carry out our plans by our self can keep us from being the influence that God wants us to be. But we can’t. This thinking will destroy us and we will destroy each other because man is born away from the presence of God. Man is born selfish and with an attitude that says I take care of my needs myself and don’t need anyone’s help. In the the end, we can’t take care of ourselves and do need someone’s help.  We need God’s help.

If we continue on the wrong path and allow the wrong influences in our lives, we will eventually find ourselves in bad situations that could bring great harm to our well-being or in severe cases death. We hear stories every day of men and women who have allowed bad influences to shape their lives and the decisions that they make. We must allow the influence of Jehovah God to take centerstage in our lives instead of making poor choices that can cut our life short.

When you serve yourself and the world system, you will be disappointed, hurt, alone and miserable. It doesn’t have to be this way. You have the power to make a difference. You have the power to make the right choice. The solution is and will always be choosing life and the life giver. John 15:5: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Your life is very important and it can be different. Listen to good advice from the Apostle Paul in the scriptures. Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Each day prepare yourself to bring love to people and to serve others encouraging them and bringing peace to everyone you meet so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10).

You have a God given assignment that only you are able to complete. Completing your assignment will develop a grateful heart and a thankful attitude. It will also put a smile on your face. You will be full of faith. You will believe and trust the only Savior and the only Lord that you need in your life. This is the best way to live. Be the influence that God wants you to be and give your testimony of the one who lives in you–Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:17: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The Mirriam-Webster Dictionary defines influence as “the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command.” We can influence others by our action and without forcing others to make changes. We must take initiative to learn what Christ did for us.  The more you know about Jesus’s sacrifice, the more your perspective will change.  Jesus was a man of influence and He influenced the whole world for the better.

Jesus is giving you an invitation today to lean on His power, on His word ,and His spirit to influence others to follow Christ. This is your time and your season. Be a positive influence for those around you.