Thank you Ms. Marilyn for this one;
Have you ever heard this before?
"Never underestimate the power of influence."
The influence of those around us is so powerful! Many times we don't even realize we're being strongly affected because influences generally develop over time, they are calculating & they don't scream out to us; Hey!!! I'm influencing you. Think of peer pressure ( yes ladies its not just with our kids) this is an especially powerful force because it is so subtle. If you're around people who talk a certain way, dress a certain way, spend a certain way & live a certain way; chances are excellent that you'll begin to do the same thing. People can keep nudging us off the course a little at a time until, finally, we find ourselves asking, "How did I get here?" We need to evaluate & examine these influences carefully if we really want our lives go in the direction that God has purposed us for.
First let's ask ourselves ... What kind of people am I associating with? Am I around people who are positive or negative? Do I associate with people who think the glass is half-full or half-empty? Are my friends pessimistic or optimistic about the future? Can I do, say, dress, be at this place or introduce this person or persons as my inner circle/ friends & the Non believer would know I am different from the world & that I am a Christian. I’ve always taught my children to be careful of associations . . people with negative and/or sinful behavior will try to bring you down to their level. . .they will seldom seek to rise to your level.
“Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionship's (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 AMP
That’s why I don’t believe in missionary dating. If the person who has eyes for you is not a Christian. . .close your eyes until you can no longer see them.
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness?.” 2 Corinthians 6:14
A few verses later, the Message Bible says: “Don't link up with those who will pollute you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17
So I encourage all of us to really examine & evaluate who we are being influenced by , be accountable for our choices ( yes ladies we choose either life or death) & ask......
Who & What am I influenced by, how are those connections influencing me, & is it Okay????