The Direction of Influence

by David Gibson

The Peril of Proximity

The cough and cold medicines on our closet shelf were stored in a box originally containing chocolate-covered peanuts. On the box was printed this warning: “Do not store near heat, soaps, perfumes, disinfectants, oil products, or other articles with strong odors.” Imagine eating candy with the scent of ammonia or Stetson cologne!

Isn’t that why we don’t put a cut onion in the frig, uncovered? Onions are, shall we say, influential?

Maintaining Distinctiveness

How easy it is for us to soak up our surroundings! It can happen subtly and unconsciously; before we know it, we think, talk, and act like the world (James 4:4; I John 2:15-17).

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’” (I Corinthians 15:33 NASB; see I Kings 11:1-11; Ezra 9; Nehemiah 13:23-26).

God calls us to impact society, not the other way around (Matthew 5:13-16; Philippians 2:15). We must maintain our distinctiveness if we intend to come out smelling like a rose.