Influence

Influence:

-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:

-the action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others:

Influence can have a positive or negative effect on a person’s life and it can determine the impact on the individual. 

I’m -a person or thing that exerts I influence

For children- it can most determine who they become as adults.

As an adult, the action and behavior displayed can either influence a positive and righteous walk with God or negative behavior with bad consequences.

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The Enticement of Sinners

Pro 1:15  My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path. KJV

Proverbs 1:15 NLT

My child, don't go along with them! Stay far away from their paths.

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Proverbs 1:10 NLT

My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!

This is sound advice for us and it is equally important for us to educate our children because peer pressure will not let up off of them the years they are in school with other children.

The goal is for us to not allow others to have influence in a negative way that pulls us away from God.

The flip side of the coin is not allowing ourselves to be a bad influence on others. 

When it comes to our children and grandchildren. What they observe can affect how they react and respond to others. Especially, when they become an adult. 

Let’s face it, if they observe us being disrespectful to other people or the law, don’t be surprised if they do the exact same thing when they will grow up.

In many instances you don’t have to wait for them to become an adult because they say things to other kids at school and out in society that they have heard from their homes currently.

It says in KJV

Eph 6:1  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Eph 6:2  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

Eph 6:3  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Ephesians 6:1-3 NLT

1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 

[2] Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise: 

[3] If you honor your father and mother, things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.

Will these kids honor their mothers and fathers?

Will they be obedient at a young age right now, or will they turn that “mini me” attitude towards the parent?

Another thing as a parent that the word tells us is in👇🏽

Eph 6:4  And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 NLT

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

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Not everyone disciplines their children, some people don’t know how and others are focused on being their child’s friend so, therefore, discipline doesn’t enter in the mind of the parent.

But as stated in Ephesians 6:4, fathers do not provoke your children to wrath.

Who knew? People see this all the time. Some fathers have a bad habit of provoking their sons. it goes against the word of God.

There is a big difference between correcting your child and picking on him and provoking him to anger.

The book of Galatians discusses the fruit of the spirit. That fruit of spirit covers a lot of territory. Actions taken, behavior, and character carry weight in our responses.

What do other people see in us? What message do we give? Is it bad enough that others steer clear and don’t want to be around us?

Are we aware of how unpleasant we can be?

If your influence is so bad and negative, time spent with the Lord is the answer.

Gal 5:16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 

Galatians 5:17 The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants.  And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.

We battle the sinful nature at every turn. However, the Lord’s spirit dwelling in us is faithful to offer a way of escape. Let us be grateful for the exit route and take it.

Gal 5:24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 

crucifying the flesh with affections of lusts. This takes exerting will power. Our will having the strength to stand for doing the right thing.

Are we doing this when we speak- because our words are, speech and the attitude behind it is positive, and honors God….right?

The subject is about influence 👇🏽

-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:👇🏽

a person or thing that exerts influence

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Influence can have a positive or negative effect on a person’s life and it can determine the impact on the individual. 

What message are you conveying to those around you? What do others really see.

If we are to influence anyone, let it be positive and hopefully, they will see good fruit in our character.

it is never too late to put into action, living how the Lord wants us to live. It is a better and safer alternative to working against the Lord.

Everything we say and do will be revisited with us we stand before the Lord. So let us make it count for something versus being reckless.

Closing prayer:

My prayer is for conflict of temptation we often face that is a powerful pull on our spirit. 

Having knowledge of your divine power and acknowledgement of your presence breaks the hold of conflict in the flesh. Give us the strength and wisdom with our “free choice.” In the name of Jesus. Amen. 

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