THE POWER OF INFLUENCE Proverbs 13:20

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     – “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.”
    A Christian must be careful of what he looks at because what he looks at can influence his thoughts and his thoughts influence his future actions. Every time we allow ourselves to think negatively, we speak negatively and act negatively. What we read on the pages of newspapers, see on television, what we hear from people and what our circumstances look like are all capable of exerting influence over our lives. However, through the Scriptures we can understand that the Holy Spirit is the best influence. So, what influence are you under? What is influencing your conversations, thoughts and purpose? Many have fallen because of being influenced by people who set a bad example. Negative examples are tremendous motivators for failure while positive examples are tremendous motivators for success.
    We don’t need to remind ourselves of the young ones who have been affected by the failures of their parents or the companies that have been severely injured by the mismanagement of their CEO’s. It is all around us and it ought to motivate us to seek out a worthy example. The question is who is in your life as a mentor, coach, father or friend to help you in realising your potential for no one can achieve extraordinary things without a mentor.
    The 12 disciples that became apostles in the New Testament had Jesus. Young Timothy had Apostle Paul. Joshua led a tremendous nation and won battle after battle but he had Moses as a leader to show him how to live. Elisha performed more miracles, signs and wonders than his coach Elijah. However, Elijah was his example of keeping focused, being brave, believing God and doing the right thing.
    You are who you are by virtue of the company you keep. Love and righteousness do not start with people; they start with a relationship with God and then overflow to people. When you have a relationship with Jesus, you change and become a man who is directed by the Heavenly Father, not by the influence of others. So, choose your friends with care lest you become what they are. We leave you under the influence of the Holy Spirit and pray to meet you there again.