Psalm 119:61 – Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. (NLT)

After a few weeks of hanging around with him, I began to wonder who was influencing whom.

My father had just returned to the denomination of his upbringing and been called as interim pastor at the church of his boyhood. The first person to offer his friendship to me was the son of the chairman of the deacons. Who better to hang around with, I thought.

I soon discovered that he wasn't involved in anything that would enhance my spiritual journey, but I chose to follow his lead anyway. Before long, I was drinking. Then, I began skipping school and experimenting with drugs. I liked my new friend, but a time came when our paths separated — and for the better. I knew that he wasn't a good influence, but I let him influence me instead of influencing him.

If I let them, evil people will always drag me down with their deceptive offers. "There's nothing wrong with having someone on the side besides your wife. … Spend the money you make. You earned it. Your family won't miss it. … Religion is for those who can't handle life. … You don't have to take what your boss is dishing out. Tell him to take that job and shove it. … Why work? Live off the government. Everyone else is. … These pills will help you get through the day. They won't harm you." On and on, the evil messages come.

The psalmist's answer to evil attempts to drag him down was to root himself firmly in God's instructions. This is a good idea. God's Word communicates His expectations and guidelines. Through introspection, we can determine if and where we're falling short. When we determine what's keeping us from living up to God's commands and leading us astray, we should investigate the source of our failures. For me, it was a good friend who had a bad influence.

Once we've discovered the source of our problems, we must do something about it. For me, it entailed saying goodbye to a friendship.

If ungodly offers influence you, what steps can you take to be the influencer?

Prayer: Father, help us to shine Your light into other's lives rather than to travel in their wicked ways. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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