By Grace Sweeney
Influence may not be the first thing we think of when we open the Bible, but it has a lot to say about it, both on our influence on others and others' influence on us. Here are a few Bible verses that I'm definitely going to keep nearby, simply because they're so powerful and such a good reminder.
I'll start with a few verses on others' influence on us.
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'" (1 Corinthians 5:33)
"Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man." (Proverbs 22:24)
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." (Proverbs 13:20)
Each of these verses warns us against the dangers of bad company. Proverbs 13:20 also speaks of some of the good that can come from surrounding ourselves with friends who have good influence on us.
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 26:6)
One man sharpens another. In other words, we all affect one another and can help or hinder everyone else around us.
"Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:12)
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet." (Matthew 5:13)
If we have a good relationship with God and are salt and light in the world, we will have great influence, like salt does when it flavors a dish.
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)
Even young people like you and I can have influence on older people. If we are careful to walk in step with God, God will use that to do amazing things, and possibly even lead others to faith.
Hymn:
This hymn is about the influence God has on us. Like a potter molding clay, God can touch our spirits and change us to be more like Him, which in turn helps us be a good influence on others.
Change My Heart, O God by Eddie Espinosa
Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like you
You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray
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