"Influential"

And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger. (Judges 2.12)

Do the people around you influence your worship?

Joshua was a godly leader who had led Israel into the Promised Land. After Joshua’s death and the subsequent death of that generation, the new generation did not know the Lord (Judges 2.10). They had not experienced the miracles and seen the victories. The people and connected culture around them were very influential. Israel began to worship false gods, which angered the one true God. Enemies attacked Israel, and Israel could not defeat them (Judges 2.14-15). Despite their disobedience, God raised up great leaders for victory (Judges 2.16). Unfortunately, Israel continued in their idolatry. Were they doomed to worship false gods because of the outside influences? No! Each Israelite had a choice to make.

We face similar influences today. People say that all religions lead to the same God. Culture affirms sexual ethics that are contrary to God. Schools teach that we live in a purely materialistic world. Critics claim that Jesus was just a good teacher. We have many choices to make. The people around you cannot force you to accept or reject God. You are not doomed to worship false gods because of the outside influences. They are influential, but they are not the cause of idolatry. Each person has a choice to make.

Take a moment to assess your beliefs. Are they based upon God’s unchanging Word or man’s opinions? Does your life show obedience to God? Do the people around you influence your worship? They may be influential, but they are not the cause of your sin. “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24.15).

God, I thank You that no one can force me to sin. Please guide me through Your Word and Spirit to reject the sin and idols that surround me. Thank you for the faithful Christian witnesses in times past. Empower me today to live a life that brings honor to Your name. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Influential | Judges 2.12
Weekly Bible Devotional

Written and Produced By:
Reverend David Lyda
Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church
Edgefield, SC

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.