Under the Influence

Under the Influence

We’ve all heard the term “under the influence” when referring to someone driving while intoxicated. It is a broad term that can include either alcohol or drugs. Basically, it means that the person cannot make clear decisions while driving because their judgment is being clouded by some type of substance. In life our judgment can be clouded not only by substances but by the influence of those around us.

Several years ago I was fortunate enough to meet a man that knew the Lord. Then I was lucky enough to get him to go out with me! Soon we were married and since then my relationship with the Lord has grown. Would I have had this relationship with the Lord if I hadn’t met and married my husband? I’m not sure what the answer is to that question. My husband has been a great influence on my spiritual life. He has led me in a patient and loving way to be a better Christian. Through his support and prayers, I have come to know the Lord on a much deeper level. In a way, I think we have led each other there. We read together. We talk about the Lord. We pray for one another. Yes, we still have arguments like every married couple, we aren’t perfect by any means, but we have a foundation set on the Lord and He is the center of our marriage. So, we continually influence one another to grow stronger in Him. Because of this, I count myself among the blessed.

On the flip side of this coin, is the possibility of being influenced away from the Lord. We look at the world around us and there are a LOT of negative influences out there. A huge part of our population is addicted to something – drugs, alcohol, pornography, etc. Often it is impossible for someone to get away from these things because it has a great hold on them. They become like a prisoner to their addiction and the people they call “friends” are caught up in the same addictions. Even if they break free from the addiction, when they return to their life these addictions are right there waiting for them to return. Seriously, the only way to break free is to move away and start a new life. 

Even if you aren’t addicted to something, there can be people in our lives that lead us away from God. They may not be intentionally leading us away, but if they are influencing us in a way that leads us away from the Lord, then we have two choices - we must become the influence and lead them to the Lord, or we need distance ourselves from them. Satan is a sneaky character. He knows how to pull us away from the Lord and he often uses the people around us to do it. Little things can add up to a big fall from God sometimes. We look at something and think, “everyone else is doing it”, and that is the beginning of the end. Being one of God’s children means being different than the “world”. 

Jesus was a great influence on those around Him. If you read through the gospels, He continually encouraged those around Him to be more. His words were always meant to help us grow closer to Him, and to live as God wants us to live. If you are caught up in an addiction or you are under the influence of those around you, reading the Bible can help. Start in the book of Matthew and read and listen to what Jesus wants you to hear. Let the Lord be the one to influence you instead of those around you.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8