Who Influences You?
Seven influences that shape our hearts and minds.
Yesterday, I said that we should be discerning about who we allow to influence us, ultimately yielding to and prioritizing God and His Word (1 John 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). But who else influences us? Here are seven influences to be aware of:
Our family. We don’t get to choose the family we are born into, but it takes wisdom to recognize how our parents and siblings impact us and whether they point us to the Lord.
Our pastors. Pastors are shepherds, and they should shepherd us with the Word of God. We can extend them grace, but God also expects them to shepherd His people faithfully (1 Peter 5:1–4; James 3:1).
Our friends. While it may be difficult, we should think carefully about who we spend time with and how our friends influence us—for good or for bad (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33).
Who we follow. Social media algorithms serve us content based largely on who we follow and what we show interest in. We should be intentional about the voices we invite into our lives.
What we read and watch. What kinds of news do we allow into our minds? What books, articles, movies, and shows are shaping our worldview?
What we consume for entertainment. This includes everything from music to sports. Our favorite artists, athletes, and celebrities can shape our hearts more than we realize.
What we dwell on. Our minds naturally drift toward certain thoughts. We should be aware of what we habitually dwell on and meditate on, choosing instead to think about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
Every influence is shaping us into someone. The question is not whether we are being influenced, but who and what is shaping us. Are we being conformed to the world or transformed into the likeness of Christ (Romans 12:2)?
For the record, we want to be influenced for good, not for evil. Some influences are easier to control than others, but we can exercise discernment over those we can control. As we do, may God use every influence in our lives to make us more like Christ.
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Pre-Orders
There are some interesting new titles coming soon to Westminster Bookstore! These pre-orders are on sale at 35% off and you can use my promo discount code DIVEINDIGDEEP to save an extra 5% off your entire order always.
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The Key to Happiness Is Self-Forgetfulness
An extended quote from Jen Oshman’s TGC article The Key to Happiness Is Self-Forgetfulness:
The counterintuitive truth in our quest for happiness is that the more we forget ourselves, the more we deny ourselves even, the happier we’ll be. Happiness is the result of self-forgetfulness. The less you and I put ourselves at the center, the more we center ourselves on God and other people, the happier we’ll be.
Happiness can’t be achieved by pursuing it for its own sake, because it’s the overflow of a life lived with an outward focus. Happiness is the fruit produced by a life rooted in the deep soil of reality. And here’s what’s real: We have a Creator who made us to be eternally, immovably replete with happiness.
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Endnotes
Giveaway and review: In The Church Behind Barbed Wire, Tom Sugimura shares the true story of faith, family, and dignity among Japanese Americans during their incarceration in World War II.
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