Every Christian should live under the influence. That's right; we should all be under the influence. How else can we make it? How else can we get along with people we don't particularly like? What other way could our families possibly stay strong enough to stay together? Everyone in the family must be under the influence. I'm not talking about becoming alcoholics or drug addicts. I'm talking about living your life under the influence of the Spirit of God.
Many of our homes are devoid of the influence of the presence of God. Sure we pray at meals, come to worship, and say “God bless you” when someone sneezes, but are our homes ran by God? There is a difference between possessing His Spirit and living under His influence. All Christians possess the indwelling measure of the Holy Spirit that is received at baptism. But not all Christians walk in the Spirit (are under the influence of the Spirit). Some people have only trace amounts of the Holy Spirit in their system. Their Spirit-filled content is well below the maximum amount allowed by God. They have not totally submitted their lives to God by seeking His will. They want the best of both worlds: the flesh and the Spirit.
So what does a home under the influence of God look like? First of all, a family living under the influence seeks first the Kingdom of God. When decisions have to be made, the family seeks spiritual guidance and prays for wisdom so that the decision is in line with the will of God. The family is committed to activities that will enrich them spiritually. From participation in ministries to fellowship to attendance of Bible classes and worship services to praying and reading God's Word as a family, it's all about drawing nearer to God.
Secondly, a home under the influence of God actively strives to free itself from the influence of the world. Many of us have ignorantly welcomed Satan and his imps into our homes with open arms. Technology has made him just a click away. A family under the influence does not allow children to watch certain television programs or movies, and monitors the music, websites, magazines and other media that enter into the home. The contents of the refrigerator, freezer, closets and hiding places should all attest to the fact that Christ is the master of that house.
Finally, an individual under the influence of God places the interests of others ahead of his/her own. Our relationships will only function as God designed them to function when we learn the meaning of J.O.Y. - Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last. If we all esteem others more than ourselves, and God above all, then are we able to live our lives to the glory of God.
Are you living under the influence? If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
