Pastor's Note

THOSE WHO INFLUENCE US
January 20th, 2008

Recently, I was listening to a classical radio station as the announcer traced the influences of one great composer on a later great composer. A few days later, that same radio station had a program about the influences that affected the development of a contemporary jazz player. The word ‘influence’ was used in both stories.
No one lives in a vacuum. All people are influenced by others, not just musicians or artists. Many people would admit they cook the way someone taught them or wear their clothes by what they have seen on television or in magazines.
Being influenced by someone else is not the same as imitating them, although that may be part of the process. Influence means that techniques, values, and ideals get passed on to others. This is especially true when the receiver wants to learn and is open to other possibilities.
All of us have been influenced in ways we may not even think about. And coming as a surprise to many of us, we are influencers to others.
For example, people influence how we pray. Listening to the words and scope of ‘spontaneous’ prayers, I can often tell how others have helped them learn how to pray. When it comes to values, I noticed that my discussions about my experience with men on Death Row have influenced other people in their views of the death penalty.
Parents often worry about the wrong influences on their kids. That’s a very legitimate concern. Choices of schools, neighborhoods to live in, and activities to participate in all really matter.
Adults also need to check to see who or what is influencing them. That is why we need to consciously surround ourselves with people of values and ideals that are worth our attention. An active faith life provides the best influences of all!
Have a blessed week!