Influence - Ann

Hello Friends!

"A Girl-Gone -Wild exerts and is affected by negative influence. A Girl-Gone-Wise exert and is affected by positive influence"

I know that positive influence plays a huge part in my life! I know that when i am positive it helps those around me, and of course I find it so much more enjoyable to be around positive people. I also know that when I am negative it is detrimental to those around me. I see this especially in my marriage. When I am negative and unhappy, then Brian is the same way and when Brian is being negative it is easy to fall into the negativity trap!

I enjoyed the first little story in the beginning about the mother talking about her son's girlfriend as being such a blessing to her son, that she builds him up and has helped him be a better version of himself. What a compliment! I remember when Brian and I were first dating, and he decided that he wanted to start going to church with our family. He wanted to learn more about God and I will say that he did start to make positive changes that his family noticed, and his mom, who is a very Christian lady, was very impressed with him, as it was easy to see that God was definitely working in Brian's life. Then we come to the present and as his wife I believe that it is my vocation to help my husband reach heaven......what a big responsibility! After reading the passage I had to stop and think, and hope that I am still and will continue to be a godly positive influence for my hubby, as I want to do my husband "good and not harm, all the days of my life" (Proverbs 31:12)

Mary moves on to talk about the"Wild Thing" leading the young man into sin and how being bad influence and leading others away from God is a horrible sin. Jesus says in Matthew 18:6 "Whoever causes on of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea" Wow! I had read this passage before but I found it to be a great reminder, that not only does it hurt God when I choose to disobey him, but when I choose to disobey and to influence others to do the same, oh how it must hurt Him, and how much more serious that is! I hope and pray that I can be a good example to others as I have no desire to lead others into sin! I agree with Mary in that I "fail to appreciate the seriousness of sin" in my everyday life. Christ died for me, Christ died to save the whole world! Thanks be to God! I pray that I will stop and think about what I do and how I influence others, as I do not want to continue to crucify God with my sins.

When I got to part where Mary talks about those we choose to surround ourselves with I became a bit defensive. I totally agree with what she says here, but I must confess that I have struggled in this area , and like the young man I have thought that "I can just hang out for a short while", or "Maybe I can help, maybe I can be a positive influence on this person". During these times I have found myself led into sin or in situations or places that I would normally stay away from. Mary points out that God not only wants us to not be a negative influence on others, He wants us to avoid negative people. I did become a bit defensive here, as I know that If am trying my best to stay close to God and being a good person/ positive influence on others than those people who have strayed from God, who need him the most need that positive influence more than anybody... right?!

After pondering on this and looking back on my personal failings when I thought I could be that positive influence on others, I think I went about it all wrong, because I let those people lead me into their way of life instead of having them come see how life is with God. I hope this makes some sort of sense.......oh how the devil is a trickster! 

So, I know that Mary is right, that is why I try to surround myself with good God-centered people and avoid the negative ones , I guess I just get frustrated that I have been weak in the past when trying to be that positive influence, and have failed : )

As Proverbs 13:20;14:7 points out that "Positive inluencers not only surround themselves with positive influence; they are also careful to avoid negative influence. They are acutely aware of their own susceptibility to sin, to they do not form close associations with people who influence them to compromise their obedience to God. I know I must really pray and discern how to be the best influence on those that God brings into my life who have tenancy to be a negative influence on me.

I agree with, and found the following passage to make wonderful sense; "A wise woman knows that it's not her words but her behavior that carries the biggest clout when it comes to compelling change. The more Christlike you are, the more positive your influence will be. If you truly want to influence someone else for good, you won't focus on changing his/her behavior you will focus on changing your behavior. You'll work at becoming more godly and interacting with him/her in a more godly way." I pray I can be better at this! 

Lord, I am a sinner! Please forgive me for my failings. Teach me true humility and strength of character! Lord help me to me more like you!  Help me to be a positive influence on all who I meet! May my behavior and actions exude your love so that I can show you to others in how I live.

Love and blessings to you both!

I hope this finds you having a happy and holy Sunday! : )