Choose your influences wisely in a world filled with competing voices and endless distractions is difficult. The choices we make about who and what influences us can shape the trajectory of our lives. The Bible provides timeless wisdom on this matter, urging us to be intentional about the influences we allow into our hearts and minds. One such passage is 1 Samuel 12:14 (NASB®1995), which states: “If you will fear the LORD and serve Him, and listen to His voice and not rebel against the command of the LORD, then both you and also the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our choices—particularly our decision to fear God, serve Him, and obey His voice—have far-reaching consequences, not only for ourselves but also for those around us.
The call to choose your influences wisely is not merely a suggestion; it is a spiritual imperative. In a culture that often glorifies self-reliance and individualism, this biblical principle challenges us to align our lives with God’s will and to reject the subtle yet pervasive influences of evil. Let’s explore what it means to choose your influences wisely, how to guard against spiritual opposition, and the transformative power of living in obedience to God’s Word.
The Battle for Influence: Recognizing the Spiritual Forces at Work
Many of us underestimate the intentions and strategies of the spiritual forces of evil in the world. The enemy is not complacent or lazy; he is relentless in his efforts to gain power and influence over our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This spiritual battle is real, and it requires vigilance and discernment.
The enemy’s tactics often involve subtle influences—ideas, attitudes, and values that contradict God’s truth. These influences can seep into our lives through media, relationships, or even our own thought patterns. If we are not careful, we can unknowingly give evil a foothold in our lives. This is why the apostle Paul urges us to “take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Choosing your influences wisely means actively rejecting anything that contradicts God’s Word and embracing what aligns with His truth.
The Power of Godly Influence: Fear, Serve, and Obey
1 Samuel 12:14 outlines a clear path for living a life of godly influence: fear the Lord, serve Him, listen to His voice, and do not rebel against His commands. These actions are not just individual choices; they are interconnected steps that lead to transformation.
- Fear the Lord: To fear the Lord is to live in awe of His holiness, power, and authority. It is a reverence that shapes our priorities and decisions. When we fear God, we recognize that He is the ultimate authority in our lives, and we submit to His will.
- Serve Him: Serving God is an outward expression of our inward reverence. It involves using our time, talents, and resources to honor Him and advance His kingdom. Service is not just an act of obedience; it is a way of life that reflects our love for God.
- Listen to His Voice: In a noisy world, listening to God’s voice requires intentionality. It means spending time in prayer, studying Scripture, and being attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. When we listen to God, we gain clarity and direction for our lives.
- Do Not Rebel: Rebellion against God’s commands is a rejection of His authority. Choosing to obey God, even when it’s difficult, demonstrates our trust in His wisdom and goodness.
When we embrace these principles, we position ourselves to experience transformation—not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us. As 1 Samuel 12:14 suggests, our obedience to God can even influence leaders and authorities, creating a ripple effect of godly influence.
Practical Steps to Choose Your Influences Wisely
Choosing your influences wisely is not a one-time decision; it is an ongoing process that requires intentionality and discipline. Here are some practical steps to help you align your life with God’s will and guard against negative influences:
- Immerse Yourself in God’s Word: The Bible is the ultimate source of truth and guidance. Make it a priority to read, study, and meditate on Scripture daily. Allow God’s Word to shape your thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
- Seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance: The Holy Spirit is our helper and guide. Invite Him into every area of your life, and ask for His wisdom and discernment in making decisions.
- Evaluate Your Relationships: The people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our lives. Seek out relationships that encourage spiritual growth and accountability, and distance yourself from those that lead you away from God.
- Guard Your Mind: Be mindful of the media you consume, the conversations you engage in, and the thoughts you entertain. Fill your mind with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).
- Practice Obedience: When God speaks, respond with immediate and wholehearted obedience. Delayed obedience is often a form of rebellion, and it can hinder your spiritual growth.
- Be a Godly Influence: As you grow in your faith, strive to be a positive influence on others. Let your life reflect the love, grace, and truth of Christ.
The Transformative Power of Obedience
When we choose to fear God, serve Him, and obey His voice, we open the door to transformation. This transformation is not limited to our personal lives; it extends to our families, communities, and even our leaders. As 1 Samuel 12:14 reminds us, our obedience to God can influence those in positions of authority, leading to a broader impact on society.
Living a life of obedience also deepens our relationship with God. It strengthens our faith, increases our trust in His promises, and fills us with peace and joy. Our faith becomes more than just a theory we discuss; it becomes a powerful instrument of change in the world.
A Prayer for Wisdom and Transformation
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word’s authority and Your Holy Spirit’s guidance. Help me to choose my influences wisely, rejecting anything that contradicts Your truth and embracing what aligns with Your will. May I reverently listen to Your voice and obey Your invitations toward righteousness. Thank You for the life transformation that comes from walking in obedience to You. Use me as a godly influence in my home, workplace, and community, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Live Transformatively
The call to choose your influences wisely is a call to intentional living. It is a reminder that our choices have consequences, not only for ourselves but also for those around us. By fearing God, serving Him, listening to His voice, and obeying His commands, we position ourselves to experience His transformative power and to be a godly influence in the world. Let us commit to living lives that honor God, reject evil, and reflect His love and truth. Choose your influences wisely, and watch as God works through you to bring about lasting change.
