Day 6 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Influencers
Proverbs 1:10-19 [ESV] 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; 12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; 14 throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse"-- 15 my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, 16 for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. 17 For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, 18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. 19 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.
When I read this proverb, I think “Was this really a common problem in Solomon’s day: people just inviting others to attack innocent folks for no apparent reason?” If so, then the level of crime in that time must have exceeded what we see in even the toughest cities in the world today.
Bullying in schools, gangs, human trafficking, drugs – all problems of our modern world -- begin with one person inviting another to join them in sin. A person might shop lift on their own, but other sins rely on a pack mentality or a least the help of one other person. So, those already steeped in evil behavior do their best to influence others and draw them into sin. And it can be very difficult to break out from the pack once you’ve thrown your lot in with them.
But other instances of influence to sin might not be quite so obvious and dramatic. We can be influenced toward lust or greed by commercials that tempt us to buy beyond our means or to spend on ourselves instead of helping others. We can be influenced toward foul language or risky behavior by the TV shows we watch. We can be influenced to steal from the office or cheat the boss because others are doing it and getting away with it.
Although there may be many influences for evil in the world around us, we believers have the opportunity to influence others toward good. This is one of the important goals of a Christian’s life – to set an example that influences others to seek God and obey Him.
Matthew 5:13-16 [NKJV] 13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all [who are] in the house. 16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
In these modern times, there are actually people whose job title is “influencer.” An influencer will have a following online regarding fashion or makeup tips and eventually the following gets big enough that the influencer gets paid by a company or several companies to test and talk about their products. I think I would love that job.
Although you may not be a popular media star, sports figure, politician, or online influencer, you still have the power to influence your mate and children, your coworkers and friends for good. You can influence them by example and also by inviting them to church or a Bible study, or just talking to them about what God has done for you.
This work of an influencer is what God asks us, as His children, to do. Sisters, I pray you will be a force for good. I pray that your words of hope, your life of good works, and your example of forgiveness and love will call and influence others to join you in obedience.
Prayer — Father, please influence my every thought, word and deed through Your Word, through the Holy Spirit dwelling in me and through the example of Jesus Christ my Lord. Please help me always be an influence for good in this world – the salt and the light that make this world a better place and directs others to glorify You.
Your thoughts — ___________________________________________________________
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