Influence
Recently I was driving in the car and my son asked me “Mom why do you always listen to Christian music.” We went on to have a discussion about how I like other genres of music, but we are influenced by every decision we make. The result of our decisions are usually subtle and over time can make a significant difference. We talked about spiritual maturity and how the closer we walk with the Lord, the easier it is to hear his voice and know what is of this world versus what is from God.
My son’s questions prompted me to think of where in my life might I be allowing people, things, trends, etc to influence me. Am I guarding my heart and protecting myself and my family to give us the best chance of fully following the Lord? Do I surrender to him daily and die to my own sinful desires or am I living for myself? After all, our society now is very much a “you do you boo” world, but that’s not what God calls us to do. He called us to love. In 2 Corithians when Paul is talking about the fruits of the spirit, he states “and the greatest of these is love.”
Loving can look different for each person. Some may love through service or prayer. Others may have the gift of listening or giving. In an ideal world I would like to sit here and say yes I do all these things, but the reality is I struggle to fully engage at times because I’m preoccupied with my own desires. I can relate to Jonah in that when God has called me to go places, I have oftentimes gone in the opposite direction. Granted I didn’t get swallowed by a large fish, but I missed out on the blessings I would have received from being faithful.
Do we fully trust that God has the best for us? If we do, why don’t we obey? I think it goes back to our sinful desires of our flesh. In Romans, Paul writes about our struggle with ourselves. In Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Friends, this is why we need God’s grace and mercy. It is through Christ that we have been saved by grace through faith. The best part is in Romans 8:38-39 when Paul writes, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Amen!! I can’t think of any better news than that.
Heavenly Father, we are thankful for your mercy. Lord, we are not worthy of you love, but you give it so freely and abundantly, thank you. Help us to be in constant surrender to you. Lead us in the path you would have us go. In Jesus name, Amen.