Have you ever been influenced by a friend, family or an acquaintance?
Most of us have been influenced by someone else. In fact, so much of our culture and society love to share their discoveries with one another. Many people desire to share with others. This fills a human need to connect.
In the early 90s, I worked for two different advertising agencies. Both of these agencies promoted very popular brands, one was McDonald’s and the other Pepsi. Throughout my time attending meetings with corporate for both brands, there was a common question that often came up. The established employees who had been with the companies for extended periods wondered what would be the impact of all the advertising of brands.
We know after several decades of influence through advertising that it is influential and effective. Many companies have learned and applied the most influential form of advertising, word of mouth. We now see so many younger tweens and twenty-somethings who make their living as influencers. Word of mouth is powerful.
The problem with the world is that we are often influenced by the darkness or pleasure zones of this world. What we see the most in our society does not reflect nor reinforce God’s call for our lives. We are drawn to; “what feels good, what looks good, what tastes good, and what is fun.” All measures are taken by many humans to stay in these comfort zones.
Reading the Bible, attending church, and staying close to God don’t find their way on the calendar for so many individuals in a day. Discipline and dedication are no longer in the equation of daily activities. Most seek and are influenced by visuals (social media, influencers, advertising) and others to stay in the pleasure zones on a daily basis. This desire for pleasure and comfort is reflected by the sheer number of individuals in our society who are overweight, porn addicts, or alcohol-driven.
As a society, we change over time and become further and further away from God’s word and the influences that Jesus had on so many while He walked this earth. The countless miracles He performed are forgotten. His loving and accepting ways of those who were known in society to be sinners were witnessed and recorded. He accepted all of these individuals openly and willingly. He did not judge, but poured out forgiveness and love on these individuals. This in turn helped these individuals to see Him for who He was, God. This is why their stories were recorded and passed down by others.
Jesus’ examples of inclusive love and acceptance are becoming replaced in our society by human influencers. This often resembles individuals who are “different,” to “fight” to be “heard or seen.” Their passion is felt by so many other individuals in society who join their “fight.” Humans will find a way to connect, whether it’s a common fight or
through love and support.
Love is much more pleasant than fighting. Fewer people are hurt. We are not forced to listen or withstand anger chants. A desire for a peaceful resolution is much more pleasant. Also, love does not conjoin with the judgment of others. Love is a positive way for humans to connect and accept others and their differences. In all actuality, every single human is different from the next. Even identical twins have some differences at a genetic level.
Romans 3: 22- 24
“even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”
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