Music, Media, Television, Culture, Peers, Family, Church,
Past, Relationships
What do all of these things have in common? They are the
things that influence our lives, our personality, our money, our faith and
more. We are constantly ‘Under the Influence’. If we are not aware of these
influences and how they are affecting us, they can start to control us. They
can dominate us to a point that they begin to shape a new identity in us.
The last series of posts talked about desire. This next
series is based on the influences that fight for our desires everyday. God will
give us the desires of our heart, but culture will give us the desires of this
world. The more you let the small desires of this world influence you, the more
you become of the world. Don’t forget, we are to be in the world, but not of
the world. I know some things are unavoidable in this culture. If we, as Christians,
are to connect with the world, we have to put ourselves into the influences. We
have to be aware of the popular music, we have to know what media and society
are now saying is “ok” and we have to be alert to what the enemy is up to.
This, of course, leaves us wide open for temptation. But we have to be strong
and stand up to these forces. Amongst all of the worldly influences, we have to
allow Christ to influence us. We have to be intentional with our time, at all
times. Careful to not allow the influence of culture today suck us down with
it.
Let’s explore the ways we are all influenced.
So what are some ways you are influenced? Good or Bad?
