Lately, I’ve been pondering the impact of influence on our daily lives. Driven by curiosity, I delved into researching the current effects of various influences, particularly examining the impact of social media, news media, and relationships.

It is well-documented that both news and social media have a significant influence on our lives, affecting not only our health and well-being but also our attitudes and expectations. These media sources do not merely provide information; rather, they shape our opinions on a wide range of topics, from political candidates to our views on immigrants. The impact of news media on our subconscious can have negative effects on our health, our outlook on the future, and even our faith.

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Excessive consumption of news media can significantly influence our perceptions of people, situations, and the economy, potentially leading to feelings of fear and hopelessness. Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to news media can also contribute to physical health issues, including high blood pressure, anxiety, stress, and an increased risk of heart problems.

Not only can news and social media have a detrimental effect on us—this can also happen when we are involved with certain people or situations. I once read a writing by Marsha Burns that spoke to this. It said, “Keep yourself from defilement. This may require pulling back from activities and relationships that are not beneficial to you. Stop and consider what and who influences you the most, and make sure the input is positive and not negative. Your relationship with Me, says the Lord, requires time and spiritual effort as you allow Me to be the greatest influence in your life.”

After reading this brief passage, I decided to look up the word “influence” to better understand its meaning. I sensed that God had a deeper message regarding the concept of influence, and my search did not disappoint me.

The word influence means the following:

“to flow in; to flow. Literally, a flowing in, into or on, and referring to substances spiritual or too subtle to be visible, like inspiration. In a general sense, influence denotes power whose operation is invisible and known only by its effects, or a power whose cause and operation are unseen. Moral power; power of truth operating on the mind, rational faculties or will, in persuading or dissuading, as the influence of motives, of arguments, or of prayer. To move by moral power; to act on and affect, as the mind or will, in persuading or dissuading; to induce” (Webster’s 1828 dictionary).

Think about this truth for a moment—influence literally flows into a person. It’s a subtle flow, but a flow, nonetheless. Although very subtle, influence denotes power over a person that becomes visible and known through actions. Influence literally moves a person to act. The influence that surrounds us, either from news media, social media, or the relationships we choose to engage in, releases a power into us that manifests itself in our actions.

As I continued to study, I came across a scripture in the New Living Bible. This is how the LORD responds: “If you return to me, I will restore you, so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!” (Jer. 15:19).

We often say that someone who is drunk is under the influence, which is true. Their actions are a result of the liquor and its influence. It is something that has flowed inside of them and caused actions on the outside of them. The same is true with the influences in our lives.

We encounter many different influences daily. As Christians, the Bible should be our greatest source of influence. Yet, oftentimes, people influence us even more so. The news media influences us. Conversations with people influence us. Challenges we face influence us—yes, we have a myriad of influences on a daily basis. Only we can decide which influences will affect us in the most significant ways, which is often a direct result of how much time we spend in the company of those influences.

What is influencing you today? What are the visible actions of the influences you are under? What is flowing in you that is causing your actions? Is it God and His Word? Or is there a greater influence in your life? Perhaps, negative daily conversations. Or too much time on social media. Or hour upon hour watching local and national news. Or entertainment from streaming services.

If people are yelling and angry, they have been influenced by someone or some situation. If someone is upset and crying, they have been influenced by something. If someone is walking in total peace amid chaos, they, too, have been influenced by something. What is your influence? What is your action, and what is moving you to that action?

Once, the Lord spoke to me, saying, “It is what is on the inside that defiles a man” (Mark 7:20-23 and Matt. 15:17-20). Defiled is defined as foulness, dirtiness, and uncleanness—corruption of morals, principles, or character; impurity; pollution by sin.

Matthew 15:17-20 says, Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.

The innermost depths of our being hold the key to our true defilement. Unresolved matters of the heart plague us. These issues often stem from the influences we allow into our lives, shaping our outward actions. I wonder if we realize that when someone commits an evil act, it begins in their hearts. It primarily starts with the influences they have had in their life. They are simply acting on those influences. It could have been what they did with their time or the people they allowed into their lives. Whatever it was, their action directly resulted from the influences in their life.

Surrounding yourself with individuals who frequently engage in sinful behavior, dishonesty, or gossip can have a significant impact on your own actions and thoughts. I’ve noticed in my own experience that spending time with negative individuals can lead to negative thoughts creeping into my mind. Conversely, being in the company of positive and spiritually strong people helps me maintain a positive and hopeful outlook.

During tough times, I’ve discovered that reaching out to friends who are deeply rooted in their faith can be incredibly uplifting. However, I’m mindful not to seek support from friends who tend to have a negative outlook. I’m intentional about surrounding myself with positive, godly, and encouraging influences in my life.

For the same reason, I limit news and social media in my life. I have found that if I spend too much time reviewing the news, it affects my view of things happening in our world. That influence flows into me and attempts to change the lens from which I view things. However, if I spend more time in the Word of God and His presence, He alone influences my view of what is happening in our land today.

The daily influences that shape our lives carry significant weight. It is crucial to spend time in the presence of God and His teachings. To allow Him alone to be the guiding force of influence in our lives. By doing so, we can experience triumph and success in our daily endeavors.

Take time today to reflect on the condition of your heart and your life. Have you allowed yourself to be influenced by negative activities and relationships around you? If so, it might be necessary to step back from some of these influences and regain a perspective based on biblical principles. Pause and consider which influences are shaping you the most, and then make the necessary changes. Dedicate time to connect with God and allow His influence to be the greatest in your life – when you do this, His blessings and peace will flow freely and without obstruction.

Please share your insights from the Lord in the comments section below.

Kim Potter is the author of Deeper Still, a 90-day devotional on a deeper relationship with God. She is also the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to thousands of people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, in Charisma Magazine, and on Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim’s message is one of hope. She speaks to the hearts of those who have grown discouraged or disappointed by the circumstances of life, to impart hope. To order her new book or receive her daily encouraging writings, visit her website at www.anewthingministries.com, or Books Archives – A New Thing Ministries. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images).