Influence

Christians are called to make a difference in society. They are called to be salt, and light (Matthew 5:13-14). Our  life of faith in Jesus Christ should penetrate and illuminate those around us. We should be a positive influence on society. Unfortunately, the influence can also go the other way. Unless we are careful, instead of influencing others for the good, we may be influenced for the bad (Psalm 26:4; 1 Corinthians 15:33). Peer pressure can be a strong persuader, especially if you are in a group. Before you know it you can be following the wrong crowd (Exodus 23:2).

The best way to maintain our witness and influence others for the Good is to keep the influence coming from the right direction (John 8:23). If our influence comes from the world, we will be influenced, but if the flow of influence is from above, we will influence others for the good as a result of our being influenced from above.When the direction of influence is from above, others recognize the source and God gets the credit (Matthew 5:16). Likewise, when you have been influenced by evil, the credit goes back to the source (John 8:44).

You cannot take your cues from the the devil and claim the name of Christ. It is a sham that everyone can see through (Jeremiah 7:9-11). On the other hand, when we are true to the Lord, He is glorified in us (2 Thess. 1:12). If you want to influence others for the good, you have to guard your heart and mind (Proverbs 4:23; Romans 8:6-7). The Bible tells us that only when we are delivered from sin and live by the Spirit can we have our minds set on what the spirit desires. We must no longer conform to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Then we can influence others because we ourselves have been transformed.

Fire and Ice

My speedometer hovered between 35 and 45 MPH as my eyes strained to see the road ahead through the blustery snow. The dark wintery landscape was punctuated by flashing lights as police and rescue crews helped accident victims. I was traveling West on Interstate 80 in a fifteen passenger van filled with Youth from my church, headed to "Snoasis," our conference's midwinter youth retreat. I began to wonder if I would ever make it to Whitehall Camp where our retreat was to be held. I had contemplated turning back, but we were well over halfway there.

When we had started out, the sun was shining and the roads were clear. I was surprised to receive a call from one of the other churches saying the fuel lines were frozen in their vehicle and road conditions forced them to cancel. It was fairly warm and our roads were clear. We were traveling along nicely. When I reached the Interstate that all changed. The worse things got, the more I prayed. "Lord, protect us. Help us to be safe."

We finally made it to our exit. It was not far from there to Whitehall Camp, where our retreat is held. What a relief. The lights of the Camp were a sight for sore eyes. As we unloaded and went to register, I learned that several churches would not make it because of the weather. The frigid temperature was carried on a gusty wind. It was almost impossible to keep it from creeping in next to the skin. Our retreat theme was "Fire and Ice." We were sure getting the ice part.

As we began our first session, Mike Anderson, our speaker connected with the youth right away. He communicated in a language and medium they could understand and appreciate. He shared God's Word in a straightforward manner, without pulling any punches. Though the icy wind continued to blow outside, things were warming up on the inside.

On Saturday night, the thaw began. As we lifted our voices in worship I began to sense the presence of God in our midst. As I looked around, I saw that I was not the only one. The Word of God was attended by the Holy Spirit and hearts began to melt. The front of the room was set aside as a sacred space and an invitation was given to surrender hearts to God. About half of the eighty-eight who attended Snoasis answered God's call to that sacred meeting place.

Some gave their hearts to Christ for the first time. Others were called to a deeper surrender. Tears flowed from many who remained in their seats. Confession was followed by testimony as the fire of the Holy Spirit warmed hearts. The love of God was manifest as groups gathered around those needing support and encouragement. There was no hurry to leave, but God continued to minister to hearts in small groups and individually. It was a precious time. Ice had made its presence known, but those exposed to God's Word had their hearts melted by the fire of the Holy Spirit. Praise be to God.