1st Timothy 4:12 is one of my favorite Bible verses. (For a refresher, look at picture.)
I love that verse. I think it’s so important and true. Because us young people (and everyone else!) have influence on those around us – family, friends, neighbors, people you see at the store, or even kids you pass by in the hallways.
Who do you spend the most time with? For me, probably my parents, cousins, teammates, and siblings. And that’s probably about the same for you.
Whoever you hang around, you can start to act like them – talk like them, dress like them – because they have influence on you.
And just how your parents and friends have influence on you, you also have an influence on others.
As some of you know, I volunteer in the elementary kid’s area at church. I try my best do be a good influence to the kids around me, because I know they look up to me.
Same with my siblings, friends, neighborhood friends, pretty much everyone I’m around.
We all have influence on everyone we’re around – whether they’re younger or older than us.
You have influence. It’s what kind of influence you have that’s important.
Titus 2:7 reminds us to do good and show integrity.
Colossians 4:6 says to let your speech always be gracious.
Matthew 5:16 tells us to let our light shine so others can see our good works and glorify God.
Matthew 25:40 – Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Romans 12:2 says: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3rd John verse 11 tells us to not imitate what is evil but what is good.
And, one of my favorites: Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever it lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about (and do!) such things.
How we live our life is so important. I’ve talked about that in past posts. And how we influence other’s lives is so important, too.
Think of a few people older than you that had/have a great influence on your life. I can think of a bunch!
Keep those people in mind. What are some of the qualities and characteristics in those people that inspired and influenced your life? Think for a minute or two.
Those characteristics are the kind of things you want to see in your friends in your life (spending time with God, compassion, guarding their mouth, and on and on). That’s why it’s so important who you surround yourself with – they could have a bad influence on your life, or a good influence on your life.
If I went around saying swear words all the time (which I would NEVER do), most likely all the kids I serve for would do the same thing. And then their friends. And their friends’ friends. And you see where I’m going. It could be a whole chain reaction.
If someone, let’s say a kid, sees you worshiping Jesus, not talking to your friends, not on your phone, just focusing on praising God, it could change their whole outlook on worship. It could change their whole life.
You have influence on others, whether you like it or not. But it’s up to you how you use it – to bring others closer to God, be kind to others, and all those good things, or to disobey, say cuss words, bring others down, and all those bad things.
How are you going to use your influence?
Daily Challenge: Make sure you watch what kind of influence you have on others. Are you helping inspire them and changing their life for the better? Are you being someone you would want to look up to?
Comment: Are you being someone you would want to look up to? Who in your life are you influencing right now (and what kind of influence do you have on them)?
I have an influence on my two little sisters. Most of the time I think I’m a good one but ya know sometimes I blow up at them or they blow up and me! lol
But it always turns out alright In the end
Growing up I had a younger sister and three much younger brothers. Sometimes growing up I wasn’t sensitive to the issues and needs that my sister had and I regret that. But as we got older I was able to be an encourager and I believe the example that helped her to ultimately walk iin tune with God. Same with my oldest brother. Through prayer and encouragement and example he has grown over time to be a strong man of God and I’m grateful. My two younger brothers are still in process spiritually but my prayer is that they too will be ultimately influenced to walk the Jesus way.
Such an important concept and life-principle! And so well written! Thanks for sharing!!