Influences

      Something many of us don’t realize, including me, is how much we can affect people. I didn’t realize how much influence I had on others at my homeschooling group until my friend told me a couple weeks ago! People were looking up to me, and I wasn’t being the best example I could be! If we realized how much people were influenced by us, how would we be acting?
 
     Most people don’t ever realize that they themselves have been influenced by someone else until much later. The people you hang out with are going to become who you are and who you act like, so choose your friends wisely! I’m starting to realize just how much I’m starting to act like my best friend, my close friends, my not-so-close friends, my family…the list of people who have influenced me goes on and on!
 
      One day I was in the kitchen writing a procedure for a lab report that was due that week. After I’d finished, I read it through and was surprised to realize I had used a ton of "Old-English" words and language! Why?
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    My mom and older sister had been reading Shakespeare out loud in the room while I was writing! I didn’t even realize until I was done!
 
      While my writing getting influenced by Shakespeare’s “Old English” isn’t necessarily bad- or good- this example shows just how easily we are influenced, often without knowing. I am one hundred percent sure that you are, indeed, influencing people everywhere you go, whether they know it or not! And whether your influence is good or bad…that’s for you to decide. Now.
 
       Because if you are influencing people around you- both non-Christians and believers- what kind of example do you want to be?
 
        When people look at me, I want them to say right away without doubt, “She is a Christian. She’s different.” And in shining His light, it may open up opportunities to share the gospel!
 
        I want to be a good Christian example to my younger siblings, to my friends, to the WORLD. I want to be influencing people in a POSITIVE way. What are some ways in which we can be a good example to others? Here’s what the Bible says:
 
        “Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in        purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
        “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Ephesians 5:1
         “You imitated both us and the Lord. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
 
       How do you think you are influencing those around you? I encourage you to pray that you would be a Christ-like example to others and a Christian influence on those around you. I love you all and I will be praying for you!
 
      This week’s challenge: Be mindful and aware of how much you are influencing people. Be a godly example to others. I know we aren’t perfect- especially not me, I am worse​ than you all- but we can at least try our best, for Jesus!