My Greatest Influence

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

My Greatest Influence

It's been said that you become like the people you surround yourself with the most. Motivational speaker, Jim Rohn coined the phrase for it: "You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with." This means that the perspectives, behavior, and characters of your inner circle will naturally "rub off" on you. That's why it's important to choose your company wisely.

Ask yourself, "Who influences me?" and, "Who's my greatest influence?"

Bad Company

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Psalm 1:1

Scripture says blessed is the man who doesn't walk with the wicked, stand with sinners, or sit with scoffers. This verse illustrates a downward progression of sin. It begins with the openness to being influenced by those who don't believe in Jesus and progresses to becoming good friends with them. As we continue to spend time with them, it ends up with us taking on their ungodly attitudes and behaviors, all the while thinking we could never be influenced by them. But Scripture tells us not to be deceived. Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? Proverbs 6:27:28

As Christians, we’re chosen and called to be set apart and lead a righteous life through faith in Jesus. That means we are to resist the influence of godless perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors. Even though there’s often the temptation to be liked and accepted, Scripture says that Jesus followers aren't to align ourselves or become close friends with those who clearly reject God's commands and standards of righteousness. Therefore do not become partners with them [the sons of disobedience]; For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! (Ephesians 5:7-8).

Do Not Be Bound Together

Now, this doesn't mean Christians are never to talk with, visit with, or associate with unbelievers. Rather, we are called to be a positive influence on them for Jesus. Jesus welcomed sinners and ate with the tax collectors for the very purpose of telling and showing them the way, the truth, and the life (Him). So to be clear, believers are not to isolate ourselves from the world and have no contact with unbelievers. We're in this world for that very purpose to share the gospel and tell others about Jesus, as we display our faith through our good fruits to them. Like Jesus, we’re meant to engage with unbelievers so they may come to know Jesus and find eternal life too, by His grace.

On the other end of the spectrum, Scripture commands us not to be bound together with unbelievers. Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together, or what does light have in common with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

This means we aren't supposed to enter into marriage with, go into ministry together, or become business partners with people who choose not to believe the gospel. We're not supposed to become partners or close friends with those still walking in darkness, since we're walking in the light. Scripture is clear that believers are not to share in any enterprise with unbelievers. How could that ever work out well to be unequally yoked in any type of partnership? The journey toward two different destinations would be painstaking together. We'd never get there. Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? (Amos 3:3)

The Positive Influence

but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2

Psalm 1:2 talks about what we're meant to be influenced by: the truth of God's Word. Valuable and edifying meditation doesn't require us to empty our minds. The Bible doesn't talk about the idea of self-emptying of our thoughts during meditation. Emptying the mind is a dangerous type of meditation where it gives Satan access to fill an empty head with all sorts of evil thoughts and ideas. Instead, godly meditation means that we fill our minds with the truth found in Scripture. 

Meditating on Scripture means reflecting and thinking deeply on what the Bible reveals about who God is; His character, His attributes, His beauty, His glory, His loving-kindness. It means meditating on the gospel; who Jesus is in His humanity and deity; who He is as our Lord and Savior; what Jesus did for us through His perfect life and finished work on the cross; who we are as sinners and our deep need for Jesus; who we are in Christ; and how we ought to walk as Christ followers. Meditating on Scripture means thinking deeply about what God's Word teaches about Jesus, life, ourselves, others, Heaven, and eternal life. 

When we meditate on the Scriptures, we treasure the promises, teachings, and beauty found in them, obey the Lord's commands, confront our sins and confess them to the Lord, and align our thoughts with God's thoughts and our will with His. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

The one who is "blessed" is not influenced or deceived by the words of an ungodly world but is profoundly influenced and transformed to think and live by the Word of God. Jesus is my Greatest Influence!

Dear Heavenly Father,

May You help me to be influenced by Jesus today in all that I think, say, and do. May You help me to meditate on Your loving-kindness today, and fill my mind with Your loveliness, righteousness, and beauty. I want to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Lord, give me a zeal for the Truth today! All glory belongs to Jesus! In Jesus name, I pray amen.

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Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:1-2