479 Days Saved - A Walk With Christ
*Influence*
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:12

There is a saying that a man can be judged based upon the friends that he keeps.  This is definitely a tricky subject for many reasons. One reason is we know Jesus did not judge but befriended all kinds of different people to offer his loving  influence. We also know the above bible verse which warns of being influenced by the wrong crowd.
This got me thinking about this word influence. Influence means to have an effect on the character development or behavior of someone or something.
As humans (of the flesh) it's important to know we are both influencers and being influenced. Sometimes we want to be a good influence on someone but in return we are actually influenced by foolish behavior.
Example 1:
I watched a show where the boyfriend was working to be a good influence on his drug addict girl friend. In return she was influencing him and he soon joined her in her destructive ways.
Example 2:
I see people on social media promote the value of external beauty. Pictures such as nearly nude girls in sexual looking stances does not work to influence our society of women or men positively.
I had to make a decision to unfollow several this year because I was finding myself thinking foolishly. Thinking I needed to tuck this, tan that, lift there on the external to be beautiful. This is the worlds demented ideas of beauty; NOT Gods!
The Challenge:
Think about the company you keep. Are you the influencer? Are you being influenced? Are you being a good influence? Are they being a good influence on you? Great things to think upon as you continue your walk with Christ.