"SWAYED"

     "INFLUENCES" in our lives come in many forms, and, they begin shaping us into who we're becoming, even while we are in our mother's womb (Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 1:41, Psalms 58:3, 139:13)! From the moment of our conception, we are incessantly being bombarded with "INFLUENCES," good, bad, positive, and negative!  We are continually influencing those around us, too! I can't help but think of the various types of "emotional energy (happiness, excitement, etc.), that is generated by the acknowledgement of a pregnancy, and the many lives that are affected by it, for an example's sake!  And, a pregnancy is just one example of the numerous "INFLUENCES" in life.  We sway, and are swayed by, our family, the people with whom we socialize, the folks with whom we work, etc.  While one is living his/her life, he/she, generally, is not consciously dwelling upon how he/she is being pressured by one's culture, etc., and/or, how he/she is pressuring other people (peer pressure)!  'Believers' are going to give an account at 'The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10),' for the lives in which we have lived from the day of Salvation on.  SO, it seems to me, that it is extremely important that we are VERY SELECTIVE, as much as it is in our power to be, concerning the things that we choose to LET influence us, and, how we are influencing those around us, for example;  with whom we socialize, to what Church we belong, etc.!  Anything that influences us, affects our thoughts and motives (intentions of our heart), which affects our behavior (1 Corinthians 15:33), and, we SHALL answer to Christ for, our thoughts (ones we choose to think and dwell upon - not the ones satanic forces whisper to us), motives, and, actions, etc., therefore, once again, it seems quite clear, that we should try to be tremendously cautious, with what and whom, we allow in our lives!  One's life's "message," as a 'Christian,' should be to honor Christ!  I understand that there are some situations and circumstances with which we have no choice but to be involved, however, there are many over which we DO have control (choices of - t.v. programs, social media, music, etc.)!  As I examine my past, I see where I was impacted by many good and bad influences, and, many times when I was, the good, and/or, bad, influence!  Growing up, I almost always sought to treat others kindly, and, as I desired to be treated.  I hope that in that way, I was a "good" influence on others!  However, also having an ornery streak, there were times whenever the orneriness definitely overtook me, and, during those times, I was probably a "bad" influence! Ha!  Thankfully, God has forgiven me of ALL of the sins of my youth (Psalm 25:7)!   Praise 'The Lord!'  There are many people whom I have known throughout my life who have been instrumental to who I am today.  I sincerely thank God for ALL of them!  I also thank HIM for each and every experience that I've lived through, because, they have contributed to who I've become, too.  With certain relationships, it took years for me to be able to decipher whether he/she was a good, and/or, bad, influence, on me, and, you can most likely say the same about some of your peers, relationships, circumstances, etc., right?!  For example, it is very clear to me NOW, that one individual was very jealous of me, but, my love (the friendship kind) for him/her "blinded" me from  choosing to believe it, although, at certain times, I definitely "sensed" that he/she was, however, evidently, I didn't want to concede to it, therefore, I stayed in denial, until one day the reality of it, FINALLY, "slapped me in the face," and, to keep my dignity, I accepted it.  So, presently, I am somewhat able to protect myself from this individual, and, others like him/her!  There have been a bunch of  lessons similar to this one, and, totally different from this one, from which I have learned, and, continue learning, as I journey through life.  These are very valuable "life lessons" to me!  Life surely is comparable to a huge classroom, with the, discovery and learning, "seemingly," perpetual!  It encourages me to remind myself that, ALL of these "lessons" are, changing and preparing me, for Heaven! PTL!  One of my desires is that, God shall use everything that is influencing me, to assist HIM in HIS molding me into who HE has always planned for me to be, for HIS honor, and glory, and that, HE'LL use my life to impact people in a positive way, for HIS, name and Kingdom's, sake, as HE guides and assists me in doing HIS WILL - one day at a time!  I pray that you, dear brother or sister "in The Lord," are also purposing in your heart to be a positive influence in this world, and that you are very careful concerning the influences in which you are choosing to affect your life, and, are doing so, ALL for HIS glory! Until next time...