19 December | Teens
«Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.» 3 John 1: 11
We are naturally influenced by the world around us. We copy hair styles, fashion and even ways of speaking (the famous slang). It's a normal part of life to be influenced and also to influence others. However, we need to be aware of the type of influence we are receiving and the one we are transmitting.
We find a warning in 3 John 1:11: “Do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” This verse is an important reminder that we must choose wisely who or what we imitate. If we are constantly surrounded by negative influences, we run the risk of imitating evil. On the other hand, if we seek good and surround ourselves with positive influences, we will be led to imitate what is good.
Being influenced by good involves seeking God, immersing yourself in His Word and following Jesus' example. This includes choosing friends and activities that reinforce positive and constructive values. That's why it's important to be aware of the influences in your circle of friends. If you notice that your friends are encouraging you to make bad choices, it's a warning sign: watch out! Try to surround yourself with people who encourage you and help you to grow in faith and be closer to God.
Take Action
This week, reflect on the influences in your life. Who are the people you admire? What kind of programs, music, or books have you been consuming? Do they reflect good or evil? I challenge you to change! How? By choosing a positive influence to adopt in your life. Remember, by choosing good, you not only improve yourself, but you also become a positive influence on others.