Voice of Youths for Youth Month – 19 November 2021
Deacon Arlene Burton presents “The Voice of Youths for Youth Month – 19 November 2021”. Deacon Burton owns the copyright to this post. We reprint here with her permission.
Hi everyone, we are hoping that you are well. However, if not, please let us know by sending your prayer requests. Anjesh Zodge does today’s encouragement. He is 14 years of age, and currently in high school. He is a member of the Grace Youth Ministries (GYM).
THE INFLUENCE OF TODAY’S WORLD
Today’s society is filled with so many people online who have a great impact on world trends, and even our decisions. We call these people influencers.
But wait, let’s back it up a bit. What is influence? Influence is the ability to have an effect on someone’s behaviour, development, character, even the person as a whole. With this knowledge, we know that an influencer is someone who has the capability to cause a change in the lives of others.
We could say that influencers have great power. This can be seen when you look at the number of followers that subscribe to their online channels. However, what they use that power to do is a key factor in understanding them. It is easy to be influenced by anything you see online, especially if the influencer is a big and popular one. However, some of what is posted can be harmful to us, not only physically but mentally and even spiritually.
In the apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians concerning the resurrection of the dead and the beliefs of the people in relation to that issue, he said something that is of interest. “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’.” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV). This verse is the baseline to it all, and we can say that it is simply put. Many things could be gimmicks, lies, tricks and a lot of the time, they do it on purpose because it is of benefit to them. Our reality is that the enemy may try to ruin us through these influencers. This is why we need to keep our guard up.
But never forget, we have the Holy Spirit. We can look to Him to help us sense whether things are bad for us or not, through our ability to discern. Romans 8:14 says “For those who are led by the Holy Spirit of God, are sons of God.” (NIV). If we are sons of God when we follow the Holy Spirit, He will never lie or deceive us. The bottom line is, not all influence is good and we should utilize our access to the Holy Spirit so that He can save and keep us from temptation and sin.
Let Us Pray
Almighty Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we come before You today. You are powerful. You are omnipotent and omniscient. We come to You because we know You are merciful and that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Dear Father, we know that we are not perfect and many times we sin so we ask You for forgiveness.
We ask that You keep us from doing wrong and that You continue to cover us. We also ask that You keep us safe through these hard times. So we pray for those in the essential medical fields. We pray for their strength and courage to continue fighting to save lives.
We ask that You cover those people in the private sectors, the workforce and the government. Make their decisions the wisest and cause the people to be obedient to Your rules.
Lord, we pray for our children and youths. We ask that You grant us wisdom and courage to be people who live to glorify You. Protect us from harm and evil.
These favours and many more we ask with thanksgiving, in Jesus name.
Amen.
Our Prayers of Encouragement are for everyone. Therefore, if you also need prayer or comfort, please contact us with your request. We would be happy to share with you.
