🤔 Can I Be Influenced?
For a long time, I believed I couldn’t be influenced by others.
I was convinced that the values I had been taught from a young age—through my upbringing, family, and faith—were strong enough to protect me from peer pressure. I thought my Christian life and moral grounding were enough to shield me from the influence of those around me.
One area where I especially felt secure was in choosing my friends. I believed I had it all under control.
Even when my parents, mentors, and spiritual leaders raised concerns about the people I spent time with, I brushed them off.
“They’re overreacting,” I thought.
“I’m strong enough. I’m the one helping them. I’m not the one being changed.”
I was convinced that I was being a good influence—helping others step away from sin.
And for years, I truly believed I was the one doing the influencing.
Until one day, I found myself doing the very things I used to speak against.
The very things I said I’d never do.
💡 What I Learned the Hard Way
Looking back, I now see it clearly:
- The people I surrounded myself with were influencing my values.
- I thought I was helping them—but gradually and subtly, I was being reshaped.
- I became silent in the presence of sin.
For example, when gossip or mocking conversations happened, I didn’t walk away or speak up.
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
— Psalm 1:1 (NIV)
But soon, I found myself participating.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
— Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
I became more tolerant of sin. Thoughts like:
- “It’s not that bad…”
- “Others do worse…”
- “Everyone’s got something…”
crept in and took root.
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
— Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
I started to justify sin—for myself and others. I found excuses:
- “They had no choice.”
- “That’s just their situation.”
- “We have to be understanding…”
But I had stopped standing in truth.
🛑 Don’t Be Deceived
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
— 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
No matter how strong we think we are, if we walk closely with people whose hearts are not aligned with God, we will eventually be pulled off course.
“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”
— Amos 3:3 (NIV)
This experience taught me to be more mindful of:
- Who I allow to speak into my life
- Who I walk closely with
- Who I lean on for support
I can love many people in my wider circle, but those I call friends, confidants, and counselors—those I walk with—must be led by the Spirit of God.
🔁 A Thought for Today
Ask yourself:
- Who am I walking with?
- Are my closest companions sharpening my faith—or dulling it?
- Am I influencing others toward Christ, or slowly being drawn away?
Surround yourself with people who push you closer to Jesus.
Because yes, you can be influenced.
Choose wisely. Walk faithfully. Trust God to guide your relationships.
