Who or what we allow to influence our thoughts and actions is something we rarely think about. In this media-driven age, mostly we just consume “stuff” without even thinking. But that’s a dangerous thing to do.

Influence – it’s a powerful concept. As we’ve seen over the last couple of days, allowing ourselves to be influenced by the right people is a huge blessing. Godly role models are powerful signposts put there by God to lead us in the right direction.

But allowing ourselves to be influenced by the wrong people ultimately ends in disaster. Whether by individuals, by corporate marketing machines, by the prevailing social trends, political tribes, competing dogmas… allowing ourselves to be influenced by what the Apostle Paul calls “enemies of the Cross” simply won’t end well.

So how do you discern between good and bad, between godly and ungodly influencers? Simple really: by applying the gold standard:

Philippians 3:20 But the government that rules us is in heaven. We are waiting for our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from there.

You and I, we don’t belong to the world. As Jesus said, just like Him, we’re in the world but not of the world. So, if in doubt, look to Jesus – the gold standard; the heavenly standard.

People, corporations, tribes… they can all say what they like, but if we call Jesus the Lord of our life, He is our standard; He is the ruler by whom we measure the other would-be influencers in our lives.

And if they don’t measure up, toss them out. It may hurt in the short term, but remember … you’re waiting for Jesus your Saviour to return. That’s what truly matters.

And that’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.