We are all impressionable.
I have only recently, at the pinnacle of middle-aged clarity, begun to realize just how many of the decisions I've made sprang from the influence of others.
Influence can be a powerful thing.
We are all changed by those who enter and exit the stage of our lives. Sometimes the change is imperceptible, other times the sphere of influence is so strong that the change is immediately evident.
A queer realization has begun to settle on me of late. A realization that I am the sum total of my daily interaction. A realization that I can be influenced in both positive and negative ways by my wife, my kids, my parents, my co-workers and - most importantly - those whom I choose to call my friends.
At first glance, this realization seems simple, and petty. A deeper look reveals stark truths that are sometimes unbearably painful.
I am the product of every screaming match my parents had in front of me. I am the product of every dirty joke my brothers told me. I am the product of every unsavory movie I have ever watched with friends or family. I am the product of every sermon I have heard, every song I have listened to, every newscast I have watched, every news clip I have read. These influences, for better or worse, shaped me.
I am impressionable.
So, once again, I find myself at the feet of Jesus asking Him, no begging Him, to be my greatest influence. To deliver me from myself. To reshape me in His image, an image that rises above any worldly influence I've let in my life.
Paul, who seemed to have some of the same struggles I do, said it best.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:7-8
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