“To Influence or Be Influenced”

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

In recent days, I had conversation with someone who expressed having had ‘issues’ with their close friends. Knowing only superficial information about these individuals, I had to listen intently to what was being said. And what I heard was not good. So, my question became, “Why then are you continuing to hang around such people?” As with many folks, the reply I got was a mere shrugging of the shoulders.

It’s no secret that we are people who are designed for relationships and that comes from a Creator GOD whose love for us proves that He wanted to be in constant communion with us from the start. As goofy and crazy as we can be at times, GOD knowing all that, still desires for us to be in relationship with Him. If that doesn’t amaze you, I don’t know what will. Leaves me utterly jaw-dropped. I have moments where I wouldn’t want to befriend myself. Can anyone relate?

The Bible warns us to be careful when choosing friends. Kinda like going to the grocery store before you eat lunch. You’re on the prowl for good quality stuff, but because your hunger pangs are tugging on your decision-making skills, you end up with a cart full of this ‘n’ that and a whole lot of unnecessary items.

If we are not secure with our identity in Christ, we can easily be misled into behaviors, practices and a whole lot of chaos. Simply because we seek to fill a void that only GOD can fill. Like going to the store on an empty stomach, it doesn’t take much to be influenced by the enticing appeal of the smells, packaging and alluring bogo (buy-one-get-one) deals.

Suggestions to do do things, go places or experiment with dangerous substances (or people) can lead us down the road to destruction. If you think that you’re above the temptation, try skipping a meal while sitting in a room located next to an open kitchen. I can almost guarantee you will be in a fight with your own will. Drooling will be evidence that your nose has already located the temptation and is fully distracted. As your mind starts to envision tasting the morsels of freshly prepared food, it isn’t long before you’ve eaten the food with your mind – as you walk your way to the kitchen.

Studies have proven that it takes anywhere from 18 days to 254 days to develop a new habit – there was no specification if the habit was good or bad. The experts went on to say that it takes us same humans approximately two months (or more) for that new habit to become automatic. If you’re anything like me, you’re already doing some simple math that reveals why it take a long time to change habits. We are creatures who step into this world doing things that shouldn’t be done. The time spent in corrective action is the indicator that we really have to work hard (and do we like hard work, much less work?) in doing the right things. These scientific studies give substance to the the phrase, “Change doesn’t happen overnight.” We literally have to practice the change.

We are influenced if we are not protected. When in relationships that are life-draining, it’s just a matter of time before we are spiraling down the path that derails us from the life that flourishes. That’s not to say we cannot be the influencer and help someone heal and get out of their mess. But before you get in that pit with someone, be sure to have yourself secured to Christ so that He can pull the both of you out. Otherwise, you’re going to slide down into the pit with the one initially asking for help.

I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary