“Ask what I shall give thee,” the Lord God said to King Solomon (1 Kings 3:5). Instead of asking for riches, fame, or long life, Solomon asked of the Lord, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad…” (9). The Lord was pleased at Solomon’s request and gave him wisdom such as never was or will be in the future (12). The fame of Solomon was spread abroad because of his great wisdom and understanding.

Solomon prospered and was blessed because of this divine gift of wisdom. He built a beautiful temple for the worship of the Lord. In spite of all his wisdom, Solomon disobeyed God and loved women of other lands who were idolaters. God had given specific command: “Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love” (1 Kings 11:2). Read more

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. —Titus 2:11-12

In spite of the fact that sin is abounding on every side, Christ has provided everything that we need to live godly in this present, evil world. In a time of lust and ungodliness, we are called to a life of righteousness. The burden God placed on my heart this quarter is on the subject of ‘Influence.’ The influences of the world are growing stronger as time goes on. I have had older saints testify to me that they feel the pressure of the world more than ever before. We are going to have to be wise and aware of the influences around us.Read more

Scripture Reading:

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. —Galatians 5:9

Summary:

The enemy is using many subtle influences in the world to draw people away from holiness. God’s people must beware of where and how the devil is working and eradicate ungodly influences from their lives and replace them with that which is good and holy.

Definition:

Influence —The power or capacity to change or affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something in indirect or intangible ways; to sway. Read more

The Enemy of Souls Is at Work

Satan is warring against God’s people. His purpose is to destroy the very essence of their spirituality. The enemy is crafty and aware of every weakness. While temptation to sin is a reality, the greatest danger often lies in the influences that are exerting themselves over time against the children of God.

All Are Susceptible to Influence

Influence is the power to change the behavior or character of someone. As long as man is in this mortal flesh, he will be subject to the power of influence. Paul and Barnabas declared that they were “men of like passions with you” (Acts 14:15). Hence, Jesus warned His disciples to “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”
(Matthew 26:41). Be not ignorant of the power of evil influences. Many Christians are participants of worldly activities and entertainments which are polluted with the corruption of sin. They wonder why they don’t have victory and power with God. “Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?” (Proverbs 6:27). Read more

The Bible standard concerning watching movies and television is encompassed in one word: holiness. To be holy is to be clean, pure, sanctified, set apart, homogeneous. The scripture teaches to “glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God‘s” (I Corinthians 6:20). “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness” (I Thessalonians 4:7). Without holiness, “no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). One must consider the power and influence of movies and television and weigh it against the above scriptures. As children of God, we are to “do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).

There is nothing sinful in the technology itself nor in the wires and the screen. The issue has to do with the content of the program or movie itself and the long-term effects it can have. Television and movies today are full of uncleanness and unrighteousness. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh as: “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings…They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Movies are full of portrayals of these listed works of the flesh. Why would a child of God who desires to live a holy life fill his heart and mind with things that are clearly ungodly?Read more