I don’t know if you have ever noticed, but we are all influenced by many differing factors in our life. We seek out some influences but others sneak in without us consciously knowing.
Psychologists tell us that our primary source of influence up to 18 years of age are our parents. This is due to the time we spend and the admiration we have for them. We subconsciously absorb their actions, reactions, responses and even their habits and make them ours.
How many times have you been told that you sound like your father or mother? They use terms and phrases that we detest in our growing years but end up using them on our own children—to our horror!
As you continue to grow in the Lord, there will be some well-meaning people who offer advice to you. Be very choosy as to what advice you adhere too. Some people will give advice that you never sought. Always search the motives of such people for they could have a hidden agenda that will serve as manipulation rather than sound, Godly counsel.
- Proverbs 10:8 says, ‘Sensible people accept good advice. People who talk foolishly will come to ruin.’
We must always seek God and ask Him for the good advice. We all want to become better as a result of good, wise decisions that we make today, for a greater future.
When we accept any advice that comes our way without determining the character of the person who gives it, we can become confused, double-minded and torn.
- James 1:8 ‘A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.’
In our everyday walk, there are so many influences that surround us by way of the media, family, friends, acquaintances, careers, school and even total strangers etc. Some of which we have little or no control. In the area we do have control is who we receive advice from. Make the right choice.
Ask God to place His people around you so you can build a firm, rock-solid foundation for the rest of your life.
Many blessings with love, Pastor Daren.
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