About twenty years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting where a brother named Oren Yoder was invited to speak. On that occasion, he addressed a topic we often overlook: the spiritual influence we exert on others.
In that gathering, through various biblical passages, we were reminded how, in Scripture, grandparents, parents, and children influence one another, and how that influence can extend across generations. The Bible clearly shows that a person’s decisions can sow both life and blessing, but also pain, hatred, and death when they are not guided by God.
Over the years, I have come to confirm how true this teaching is. I have seen how one person can profoundly affect another’s life, for better or for worse. Therefore, as believers, we need to pause and examine our attitudes and actions, understanding that we do not live in isolation, but constantly influence those around us.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect example of influence exercised well. His life transformed His disciples deeply and enduringly. He Himself declared that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. Christ’s influence was not imposed, but lived out with love, truth, and consistency.
Likewise, we see in the Scriptures how Ananias, Barnabas, and other brothers were instruments of God in positively influencing the apostle Paul’s life, who had once been a persecutor of the church. Later on, Paul also wisely used his influence, with Timothy being one of the clearest fruits of his personal guidance, counsel, and teaching through his letters.
As I reflect on the influence my parents have had on my life, I recognize how decisive it has been. My father taught me, by his example, not to abandon a task until it was finished, to persevere without giving up, and to put what is important above the secondary. He also showed me a healthy attitude toward money: free from ambition and with a heart willing to give. That influence is reflected in me and my siblings.
My mother, on the other hand, taught me patience and meekness. The way she responded when offended, her kindness, and her ability to connect with people left a deep mark on my character. Many times, her example has helped me to pause and act wisely.
But it is also necessary to recognize that negative influences exist. Scripture and experience show how repeated sin becomes a pattern: alcoholism, infidelity, lying, violence, resentment — all of these affect not only the one who practices them but also their family and close environment.
Therefore, as parents, children, and members of the body of Christ, we must ask ourselves honest questions before God:
What kind of influence are we exerting?
By Henry Rolando Preza Alarcón.
Are we building up or tearing down?
Are we an example worthy of imitation?
Do we reflect Christ in our home, in the church, and in society?
From whom did we learn what we practice today?
May the Lord help us to live in such a way that our influence leads others to Him. Let us then be careful to be good influences on others, remembering that a life guided by God always leaves marks of blessing.
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