We are influenced for good or for bad by the company we keep. The instruction of others. The approval of others. The example of others. Little by little our lives are shaped by what we see other people do and what other people say we should do. That is why it is so essential that we surround ourselves with people who act and speak like Jesus. Yes, we are to love people who are far from God which requires spending time with them. But we are to regularly fellowship with people close to God so we are able to love people without falling in love with the world. Thanks be to Jesus for the gracious gift of godly influence.
