Good influence

Lately I’ve been reflecting back on those men and women who have influenced my life. There are many! Some have been not so good but I’ve been fortunate to have several that were very good. Who we follow or read or listen to has a significant impact on how we view things and even how we make decisions. There are many warnings in the Bible about false teachers and listening to wise counsel. So how do we know if someone is a false teacher? How do we know if who we are allowing to influence us are teaching good sound biblical principles? Well first i believe we should be studying it for ourselves. Second we should be in communication we Jesus. Then the Spirit will give us what we need to recognize false teaching. One of the things I like to do is to check to see if the life of the person I’m being influenced by is like those folks in the Bible. Like Paul for example. He went all over planting churches. He worked with his hands building tents so that he could provide his needs and not be a burden on those he was witnessing to. Acts 20:34-35 tells us this and Paul worked hard to pattern his life after Christ. In verse 35 he quotes Jesus who said: It is better to give than to receive. Paul lived these words. He was trustworthy and good to have as an influence in life. There are many who say all kinds of things in gods name but if their life doesn’t match what Gods word says then do we really need to trust them? We only get one life. We have the choice of how we spend it. Jesus made it possible through his death and resurrection for us to live eternally with him. Trusting in that fact is the beginning of wisdom. Following Gods word and those who live by it will help us to grow in wisdom and increase our faith and help us in troubled times and it will give us the ability to make sound decisions too!!

Thank you Lord for giving me those who have influenced me to believe and helped me grow in the faith. Help me and others like me to be that kind of influencer for others!

Love y’all