It should be a high priority for all of us to determine the influence of our surroundings. This can include such things as: the people we spend time with, music we listen to, or time we spend in God’s Word. If I spend 7 out of 7 days a week with non-believers and solely negative spiritual influence I will face the reality that bad company can corrupt my good habits.

33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV).

On the flip side, we can be sure that if we spend 7 of 7 days out of the week with only believers and positive spiritual influences, we may be missing out on evangelical opportunities outside our bubbles and comfort zones. It’s easy to love those people who love us to begin with, but it’s a challenge to take the road less traveled and love people who don’t show us any love in return. Those are often the people that need to be loved most and who I believe are impacted by our love in special ways.

32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, [a]hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:32-36 (NKJV).

We do want to form a strong foundation of spiritual influence in our every day surroundings. After we do that there comes a point where, knowing God’s deep love for us, we want others to experience that as well. We cannot contain the overflow of God’s love operating through us any longer, we need to express it. Some of us are called to express that love creatively in the way we write, speak, or sing. Others may be inspired to do so by feeding the poor or being hospitable to strangers. There’s a good chance at different times to be led in different directions, but the important thing to confirm is that we are following the lead of the Holy Spirit in these endeavors. Our motivation should stem from a desire to bless others the way God has blessed us. If we sincerely want what is best for others, and effectively seek God and His Kingdom first, we will continue to experience God’s provision in our lives.

33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (NKJV).

When we do decide to step out in faith and reach out to the lost, we cannot allow the ways of the world to lure us into any traps. You should be familiar with your weaknesses, don’t give the devil any more ammunition than he already has to attack you with. If you know you have a gambling problem, don’t go into a casino to try to share the Gospel or win souls. If that was your calling, you would be able to easily avoid compulsive gambling and greed. If you have an issue with alcohol, it’s not going to be a good idea to visit bars to share God’s Word. I know that historically I have been weak in overcoming lust. I won’t be trying to evangelize at a club where it’s known that there will be promiscuously dressed women and highly provocative music playing.

Take some time to evaluate your strengths and consider some of the avenues they may open up to reach the lost. Keep in mind that we don’t have to expose ourselves too much to reach people. You can find people out in the open by a park or at a sporting event just as effectively as those in some of these other examples. There are lost souls at our schools, in our local community, and even in our Churches that need to be reached just as urgently as anywhere else.

Jesus Christ was able to spend time with many different kinds of people. We aren’t perfect so we can’t assume that we’ll have his level of self-control and faithfulness in order to both reach the lost and avoid temptation. It’s not a good idea to go into many of these situations and make a mark for God at the expense of your own morals and character. If you see a gradual decay in your standards, there needs to be a very real evaluation done. Honestly looking ourselves in the mirror and asking God if we’ve allowed ourselves to slip up in comparison to the way we used to walk with Him. I know all of us are far from perfect, but if we’re being sanctified we should at least be making progress in the right direction. We need to diligently armor up with God’s full armor and simply exercise discretion when we approach these worldly environments.

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 (NKJV).

We want to be in the world, but not of the world. Don’t lose your saltiness, for you are the salt of the earth. Trust that God has other people on those areas you don’t have covered. His hands and feet are everywhere, and by His grace He empowers each of us who believe in Him, to take part in His handiwork.

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV).

There are definitely times where I have to remind myself I am not looking for the pleasures of this moment. When we are on track, doing the will of God, we cannot allow ourselves to envy sinners or to covet the things of this world. We need to remind ourselves where our faithfulness and belief lies. Our identity in Jesus Christ gives us the perspective we need to avoid loving the world. When we love Him, spend time with Him, in His Word, worshipping Him, and building His Kingdom – we establish an eternal mindset that nothing in this world can steal. It’s only when we drop our guard, stop armoring up with the full armor of God, and get complacent about what’s most important that we suffer the consequences.

Don’t dwell in guilt about what you’ve done or how far you’ve come up short. We’ve all done so in different degrees, areas, and variety of compromises. We cannot change the past, but we can embrace the grace and mercy Jesus Christ has generously provided and repent from that past. Accept His full forgiveness and forgive ourselves in the process as well. Who are you or I to harbor unforgiveness towards ourselves or others? Our Savior has seen our greatest sins and has still chosen to love us and has counted us as ambassadors of Christ and friends of God.

I cannot advocate enough how vital it is to immerse ourselves in the right environments. It’s critical to sanctification, that is becoming more Christ-like, and should not be underestimated. There are times where we need to even evaluate the friends we spend most time with. You don’t have to cut ties with the world, but there’s a solace to be found in solitude that gives one great clarity. Perhaps the best thing to do, whenever it is expedient, is to take a step back and evaluate things with a fresh perspective, clarity of mind, and a heavy dose of prayer. God will reveal to you what it is you ought to do. Instead of pushing everyone away, see them for who they really are and what they represent. Accept that you cannot change everyone, not even most people perhaps, but you can still have a positive impact for God’s Kingdom. Remember, you and I aren’t the ones who are able to draw hearts to God. Thankfully, only God can do that, and I would have it no other way.



44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:44 (NKJV).

To God be the glory, as we take some time to evaluate how to change our environment for the better. Whether it be by evangelizing in unexpected places or surrounding ourselves with more consistently Christian scenarios. Saturating ourselves more often with Jesus Christ’s presence by studying His Word, praying, listening to Godly music, or learning from other men and women of God is never a mistake.

17 “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)

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