Monday, September 6, 2010

Influential, Or Easily Influenced?

in·flu·ence (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:)

Are you easily persuaded? Do you go along to get along? Do you need everyone to like you? Do you try and please everyone?

If you answered Yes to most, or any of these, you aren't living like Christ. Jesus was the Red box in the picture. He was on a mission from the Father, and wasn't concerned about how others perceived him, because He knew, most perceptions don't equal reality. Jesus lived under God's authority, He accomplished God's will, and worrying about how others saw, or thought of him, wouldn't have allowed him to accomplish his mission.


As men, and as Christians in general, we must not be influenced to the point where we only do what makes others happy. We serve a Great and mighty God, who desires for us to do His will, not the will of His fallen, created beings. Don't be a people pleaser, be a God pleaser. Don't worry what others might think, worry what God thinks. Now, if people don't like you, it may not be because you're serving God, it could be because you're an undesirable person to be around, which has nothing to do with God. If that's the case, repent!


What decisions have you put off because you're uncertain what others might say? Have you made your family suffer needlessly because you've been cowardly about being a man and a leader in your home? Has your wife and children built up resentment toward you because you're unwilling to be unpopular and serve the Lord in certain areas of life?


Is your home structured how you know God wants it to be? 

Is your wife still working because you're not willing to let her come home?


Are your children still being educated by a godless government because you're not willing to do what it takes to instill in them a Christ centered education?


Is your home falling apart because you're too lazy to pick up a hammer and fix what needs to be fixed?


Are you finally ready to be the man God wants you to be, and ready to be of use in the kingdom of God?


Lead the crowd, don't follow it. Plot the course, don't wait for others to. Determine to serve God, don't look for others to. Be a leader who is following God's will for his life. You may not be very popular with those around you, but at least you know you're heading in the right direction!