The Influence of Those You Follow
Who do you follow, and how do they influence your life? Do they affect the way you think, or act? If you’re on social media, do they sway what you post or how you respond to others? Do they cause you to experience peace, or anxiety? Do you want to be like them?
Following people can be a trap, which insnares your heart and mind into believing non-biblical concepts. Some who are held in high esteem look successful by world standards; however, their beliefs and attitudes do not necessarily line up with the Word of God. Can you learn some things from said individuals? Sure, but beware of picking up things that are not Christlike.
They include such things as a political spirit, unforgiveness, greed masquerading as a virtue. Not to mention pride. These are elements of the world, which are to be shunned by disciples of Jesus Christ.
1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
“I follow Jesus!” That being the case, perhaps it would be prudent to ask Him who you should follow. By the way, this is far more encompassing than social media. It includes spiritual leaders, and places of worship. He knows who is pure in heart, and would edify you in a godly manner. Likewise, he knows who would negatively affect you, and even go so far as to lead you astray. Compare what they do and say with Scripture. Do they instill wisdom from Above, or that of the world (see James 3:13-18).
2 Corinthians 8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
Only by the will of God did the church at Macedonia followed Paul and those with him. Paul’s heart was that believers who followed him, would follow Jesus Who lived in him. He did not want their admiration; he wanted them adore Christ. Many people desire followers for the sake of their ego. They make themselves look good to aspire others to be like them, but God gets no glory. Jesus warned about wanting human admiration.
John 5:43-44 I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
The Bible also warns about comparing ourselves with one another. Those who follow others may find themselves playing comparison game. This too is another snare in which some who follow others fall prey. It can wreak havoc when it comes identity.
2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
How Do You Follow?
What does your following Jesus look like? Does it include denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Him (see Matthew 16:24-25)? Some say they follow Jesus, but they merely include Him in their life. In essence, they want Heaven minus complete surrender. They want the blessings of God with no commitment. You might say they want Jesus to follow them.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if One died for all, then were all dead: And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.
It’s easy to lose sight being bought with a price, and we’re not our own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are called upon to glorify Him, as we are His temple. Life is far less meaningful when one lives for his or her self. The more you make it about you, the less joy you experience.
Many already do this, however, one way to allow Jesus to more fully influence your life is to spend time with Him alone, first thing each day. No phone, TV, email and so on. Creating space for God allows Him to speak to your heart, give you revelation and direction. By His grace, it helps you connect to confidence in Him, as you face whatever comes with the day.
Psalm 91:1-2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.
