Influence

To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: (Colossians 1:2a, NLT).

Good Morning!

A dog charged toward us as we took a walk through our neighborhood. Though it was dark and difficult to see, we were able to distinguish the dog to be a pit bull, the kind of dog that has a tendency to attack humans unless they have had strict training. The dog’s owners began shouting at us, “He is safe. He won’t hurt you. Diesel come back!”

Diesel, the dog, strained towards us obviously wanting to investigate; however, Diesel obediently waited for his master. After introductions were made, we were informed Diesel had been raised with an older Labrador who had influenced him to form friendly dog characteristics. As if on cue, Diesel’s tail wagged furiously back and forth.

Isn’t it interesting that a dog’s natural tendencies could be overpowered by training and association with another dog? The study of behavior can be fascinating, especially when it comes to humanity. When all is said and done, behavior is an act of the will; however, other people influence how we behave. Actually . . . duh . . . we influence those we hang out with . . . and they influence us.

In the ancient days, the Apostle Paul demonstrated as well as spoke of how to change behavior through the presence of Christ. He addressed the Colossians letter to the “faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.” While the Colossian Church had not been directly converted by his ministry, they had been influenced through his ministry to the Ephesians. His daily dialogues in Ephesus’ hall of Tyrannus effectively reached “all the residents of Asia . . . both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10). It had the ripple effect . . . Paul influenced individuals who influenced others until it gained momentum and a church began.

God has created you and I to influence and to be influenced. Our behavior is a vital component of our influence on others. Likewise, our behavior becomes formed and shaped by the influential behavior of others.

Who are you influencing today?

How are you influencing them today?

Who is influencing you today?

How are you being influenced?

Seek God first.
Influence others through Christ-like behavior.
Choose to be influenced by those with Christ-like behavior.

Learning with you to influence and to be influenced through Christ,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)