Influence!

When it comes to influencing or being influenced, it is possible to go either way. Though it has been said that “one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch” and it is true that the good apples are incapable of making the bad apple good, this is not the case with humanity. We can change. However that change can be either to the better or to the worse.

In a cemetery, there was a little white stone marking the grave of a little girl dearly loved by her friends. Upon the stone were chiseled these words: “A child of who her playmates said, ‘It was easier to be good when she was with us.’”

What a beautiful commentary on the influence of a young life. What is it like for others to be around us? When we are with others, what do we make it EASIER FOR THEM TO DO? Does our presence cause others to be uncomfortable about doing something wrong or to know to not even think about doing it? Or is our life characterized as one who simply yields to the flow and goes along with what the rest of the group desires to do? If we remain set on going about influencing others toward good, we will be less likely to be influenced (at least negatively) by those around us.

In John’s short letter to “the beloved Gaius”, he encouraged…
“(11) Beloved, DO NOT IMITATE EVIL BUT IMITATE GOOD. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” ( 3 John 11 ESV)

When we are with others we have not only the opportunity, but also the responsibility to set the kind of EXAMPLE WORTH IMITATING. May we, as children of God, consistently live in such a manner that others will find it EASIER TO BE GOOD when we are around.

Have a great day BEING THE POSITIVE PRESSURE OUR PEERS TRULY NEED!
Carl

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