We are all being influenced! But how and by whom?
The statement, “we can’t see the forest for the trees”, first appeared as a proverb almost 500 years ago. Today, it easily applies to the number of things that form our world view and influence our everyday decisions and the lifestyles we choose. Yet how often do we consider the forces influencing those decisions?
Once, while in the country of Morocco, I was in a room with a very angry Moroccan who was yelling at our group because we were Americans. I was later able to have a conversation with him and gently point out that his beliefs had been shaped by hearing only one side of things. I did this by questioning if would it be fair for me to agree with others who told me he was evil if I had never met him or knew anything about him? As he was able to recognize how his reactions toward us had been wrongly influenced, the positive relational impact that occurred, became the highlight of the trip.
A Sea of Voices
So, in our everyday lives, I believe that so much of what we embrace is because of the culture in which we find ourselves. Our surroundings: what we read, look at, and listen to have an enormous capacity to color our beliefs. It’s critical for us to acknowledge how influential our culture can be in areas such as the following:
- Our media
- The church culture of which we are a part.
- The political or socially acceptable “normal” views on things like our relationships, family life, careers, the foods we eat, and the comforts we strive to experience.
Sadly, many of our decisions are made based on what we’ve been told by others who may have a conflict of interest or even personally benefit from the advice or influence they are giving.
Discerning What Is True
So, what are we to do about this dilemma? I believe our first and best response is to pray. To make take the time to slow down and think. I encourage us to say, “Wait a minute!” Who is it that’s telling me I should do one thing or another?
I also encourage caution, for what may appear as “normal” for today is often not, nor is it even healthy or biblical. Matthew 10:16 records Jesus’ own words of how we are to navigate this world. “Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.” Jesus knew that within our cultures, belief systems evolve that are often unfounded on truth and seldom provide the proper evidence to convincingly persuade us to live out what is true.
“Choose You This Day…..”
WWJD. What Would Jesus Do? It’s actually a great question to consider. Things like retirement, vacation, entertainment, finances, and relationships all have biblical principles connected to them. Even in America, a country often referenced as a Christian nation, there are many cultural values that differ from what Scripture teaches.
Oh, how we must be careful to live our lives thoughtfully and prayerfully lest we acquire unhealthy habits that are detrimental to our spiritual growth. My goal is to encourage us all to evaluate the choices we are making and to guard our hearts. Let’s ensure we are disciples of Jesus before we are Americans, Republicans or Democrats, Baptists or Charismatics. We are called to be followers of Jesus, not followers of culture. Discipleship is a privilege and a calling. May we increasingly learn to walk in the Spirit, be led by the Spirit of God, and to cling to Him who gave His all so that we might have life in abundance.
