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Listen while you read: "Wonderful Peace"1
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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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Absolutely! Blessings.
I have discovered, Martin, those folks with strong personalities are worth guarding one’s self. Blessings and courage for sharing.
Thank you, Martin. I needed this this morning, dealing with problems from my past and this devotional has helped. Blessings to you and your family.
Thanks for sharing your story of being influenced to take the wrong path, Martin, and so good to hear that you withdrew and followed the greatest path in becoming a dedicated servant to our Lord. Blessings for these special writings you submit.
Hi Martin,
I will tell you what happened to me recently.
I am heavily involved in a community organization. A couple of months back a lady asked me if I was interested in going to see an act at a local theatre and I misinterpreted totally what she said, so I told her I would go and my husband as well. The woman questioned my husband’s attendance because none of the husbands were going.
I had agreed to go to but then I decided I didn’t want to go. I decided to make sure I was busy with my husband.
I had absolutely no desire to go and watch whatever it was.
Thank-you for your devotional.
Thank you, Martin. Examining, and implementing, God’s Word is always best for us.
Good afternoon, Martin,
I read your very good devotional. Thank you for your good words, it is so hard at times to keep on the ‘Straight and Narrow”.