Who influences us? In this day and age; could it be blogs that we read on the internet, music, television shows, Hollywood movie stars? What about the government, political parties, politicians, a famous historical figure, or even books that we read? Or could it be our parents who influence us?
How was our heart and mind transformed? How are we molded and what has shaped our character? Have we ever stopped and examined our heart? Is our heart in the right place? What are our daily motives? Our character becomes transparent when we are under pressure, being tested, going through trials, and even when we are blessed. Some of us may be driven by money and material things. Are we being influenced by the richness of this world? Is it our desire to feel important with having more money and power? What about climbing up the corporate ladder? How did we get there? What were our actions or perhaps what will be our action? Did we get a promotion without cutting anyone's throat? Did we tear anyone one down to get the position? Is money and title what we live for? Don't get me wrong. Nothing is wrong of doing the best you can and setting a goal for yourself. Nothing is wrong of having a few zeros in your bank account and having nice cool stuff, but the question is, is it your main priority? Do money, title, and possessions define who you are? Often times we use our successes to define who we are. Here are some examples; our education (Oh look at my Masters and PhD), our house, our luxury car, our business, our position or title at work, our wealth, our knowledge… The point is, it became all about us. Our mentality is that everything revolves around "I" and "It's all about me!" “Look at me, I’m prosperous!” Some of us are driven by politics. We're always angry at the parties that we’re not a part of. We post a lot of derogatory remarks to the opposing political parties on Facebook. We define ourselves as either democrat, republican, libertarian, tea party, and so on... Then we get all emotional and get very offensive, "Oh those Democrats are wrong! Oh those Donkeys knows nothing, they're deceived!" “Oh those Republicans, they’re old and unable to evolve in today’s’ society!” “Oh I’m Libertarian, you all are wrong! Our way is the right way ya’ll bunch of fools!” In life there are two things that influence us and that's either the world's system which I mentioned above or do we get our influence from God? So, the question is, who do we mimic; a politician, a movie star, a musician, or Jesus Christ who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? "As Christ Follower, we need to be formed and shaped by the Word of God and not by the culture" It's never about us. It all boils down to Jesus Christ. It's all about Him and all for His Glory. Therefore, don't focus on the earthly things, but focus on the things above. Jesus Christ is the One who we ought to mimic. When people see our actions, who do they see in us? Do they see the manifestation of Christ-Like character? So, how do we get there?
What we think and how we think, we become. The more we think like Christ, the more we become like Him. The more we become like Him, the more unworldly we become. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). Jesus Christ should be the driver and the ruler of our lives. We should possess His characters and receive it in a supernatural way and only He can transform our heart and our mind. On 1 John 3:2, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1 NKJV). As Christ Followers, Jesus Christ defines who we are. Now we know which of the two influences us: Do we have the influence of God, the Creator of this Universe, who loves us, who wants to have a relationship with us, and wants what’s best for us? Or two, this world who deceives us and leads us into destruction? Now, to expand our influence that we received; the next sets of questions are interesting. Who do we influence? What type of impact do we make to those who are around us? What type of influence do we make on our families, our children, friends, relatives, co-workers, and our neighbors? Is it the Worldly Influence or Godly Influence?
1 Comment
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorsWe are Christ Followers. Our priority in life is to Love God and Love People. The purpose of this website is to direct and help people who are searching for the meaning and purpose in life. We're hoping and praying that it will lead them to Jesus Christ, who is the key to life. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Prayer RequestConnect with Us On |