Jesus Should Be Our Main Influencer
On her recent birthday, my wife
received a precious video message featuring our youngest grandson. He was
wishing her a happy birthday, telling her that he loved her, and blew her a
kiss. However, at only two years of age, he wasn’t doing this without some
needed guidance. His father was nearby cueing him on what to say and do. Nevertheless,
our grandson followed those directions willingly and gladly, as if his words and
actions truly expressed what was in his heart and mind had he been able to initiate
it all by himself.
From what or whom are we taking our cues? I am
not suggesting that we aren’t capable of thinking for ourselves and of expressing
our thoughts through what we say and do. However, we all are influenced by
sources outside of ourselves. As followers of Jesus, we should primarily be
taking our cues from Him. And I am not just talking about what we think Jesus
would do in a given situation. We should be living in accordance with the
written Word He has provided for us, as well as obeying the promptings of His Spirit
who lives within us.
God’s Word is a faithful guide for
us to live by. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work”
(II Timothy 3:16-17). Additionally, Jesus declared that the Holy Spirit would
guide us into all truth (John 16:13). The Bible states that “as many as are led
by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Therefore, as believers,
we should be receiving and following guidance from the Bible and the Holy
Spirit.
I am concerned that many who profess to be
Christians today are taking their cues primarily from other sources. Many are
being influenced more by our culture with its changing viewpoints rather than
the eternal truths of God. Some are allowing themselves to be deceived and led
down less-than-Christlike pathways by their favorite podcaster, news
personality, or political leader. There are those who are letting themselves be
guided more by what it means to be a “conservative”, a member of a particular political
party, an “independent”, or an “evangelical”, or a member of a particular denomination,
instead of being directed by what it means to be a Spirit-led follower of
Jesus.
I am not suggesting that we
mindlessly repeat some biblical mantra or robotically submit to behave in
whatever way the Lord directs, as if we are marionettes whose strings are being
pulled by the Lord. However, we do let God’s Word and His Spirit guide us. We
listen. We obey. And like my grandson did in his video message, we make it our
own. God’s will becomes our will. His desires become what we want. We don’t
follow His directions with a grudging heart as if it is some unpleasant burden.
We do it gladly. We know that it is good, right, and true. And we know that it
is best for us and best for carrying out God’s purposes.
Be careful whom you are letting
influence you today. While we need to be informed about what is going on in our
world, we need to stay attuned to what the Lord says about it all, including
how we should live and respond to these circumstances in which we find
ourselves. Study His Word. Listen to that small voice of His Spirit. Let them
be your main guide as we journey through this different and challenging world
today. Always take your cues from the Lord.