Influence is a powerful force.
It shapes the way people think, act, and make decisions.
From the friends we choose to the media we consume, everything around us has the power to influence us in one way or another.
But influence is not just about being affected by others—it is also about how we affect the people around us.
The Bible speaks clearly about the impact of influence.
It warns about the dangers of bad influences, encourages believers to surround themselves with wisdom, and calls Christians to be a positive influence on the world.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about influence and how we can use it to glorify God.
Influence Can Be a Blessing or a Curse
The Bible makes it clear that influence can work for good or for evil.
Proverbs 13:20 states, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse highlights the power of those we surround ourselves with.
If we spend time with people who are wise, kind, and godly, we will be influenced in a positive way.
But if we associate with people who are reckless, dishonest, or ungodly, their influence will lead us into trouble.
First Corinthians 15:33 gives a strong warning: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
This reminds us that even if we have good intentions, negative influences can pull us away from God’s plan.
The Influence of Friends and Relationships
The people we choose to spend time with play a major role in shaping who we become.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
A good friend challenges us to grow in our faith, encourages us when we struggle, and helps us stay accountable.
But not all friendships are beneficial.
Some relationships can drag us down, leading us into sin or unhealthy habits.
Psalm 1:1 describes the difference between wise and unwise influence:
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
God calls His people to be careful about the relationships they form.
While we are called to love and witness to unbelievers, we should be cautious about allowing them to shape our decisions and values.
The Influence of Words
Words have an incredible ability to influence others.
They can encourage, inspire, and build people up—or they can tear down, discourage, and lead others astray.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Every word we speak has an impact.
A kind word can brighten someone’s day, while a harsh word can leave lasting wounds.
Jesus warned about the power of our words in Matthew 12:36, saying, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
This reminds us to be mindful of what we say, because our words have consequences.
Ephesians 4:29 encourages believers to use their words wisely:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
As followers of Christ, our words should be a source of encouragement and truth, not gossip or negativity.
The Influence of Actions
Actions often speak louder than words.
People watch how we live, and our behavior has the power to influence others, either drawing them closer to God or pushing them away.
Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This means that our daily choices—how we treat others, how we handle challenges, and how we show kindness—are a testimony to the world.
First Peter 2:12 reinforces this, saying, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
A life lived with integrity, love, and faithfulness influences others to seek God.
The Influence of Media and Culture
In today’s world, media plays a massive role in shaping thoughts, beliefs, and values.
From television and music to social media and news, people are constantly being influenced by the messages they consume.
The Bible warns about allowing the wrong influences to shape our hearts and minds.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
This verse reminds believers not to blindly accept everything that culture promotes but to filter it through the truth of God’s Word.
Philippians 4:8 provides guidance on what we should focus on:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.”
If something influences us in a way that draws us closer to God, it is worth keeping.
But if it leads us away from God’s truth, it is something we should avoid.
The Responsibility of Being a Good Influence
Just as we are influenced by others, we also have the power to influence those around us.
The Bible calls Christians to be a positive force in the world.
Jesus described His followers as “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14).
Salt preserves and adds flavor, while light guides and illuminates.
This means that believers are meant to bring goodness, wisdom, and truth into the world.
Titus 2:7 encourages Christians to be examples for others:
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.”
Living with integrity and kindness allows us to be a positive influence on those around us.
Guarding Against Negative Influence
Not all influence is good.
The Bible warns believers to be on guard against influences that lead them away from God.
Second Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This does not mean avoiding non-believers entirely, but it does mean being mindful of who we allow to shape our values.
First John 4:1 also warns, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Not everything that appears good is truly from God.
We must use discernment to separate godly influence from worldly distractions.
Using Influence to Spread the Gospel
One of the greatest ways believers can use their influence is by sharing the message of Jesus.
Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Every interaction is an opportunity to show Christ’s love.
Whether through kindness, sharing personal testimony, or speaking the truth in love, believers are called to be a light in a dark world.
Colossians 4:5-6 gives guidance on how to use influence wisely:
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Every believer has the power to impact someone’s life for eternity through their words and actions.
Final Thoughts
The Bible teaches that influence is a powerful tool.
It can build others up or lead them astray.
God calls believers to be a positive influence by choosing wise friends, speaking words of encouragement, and living in a way that honors Him.
While the world is filled with distractions and negative influences, God’s Word provides guidance on how to stay on the right path.
By guarding our hearts, choosing godly influences, and using our own lives to point others toward Christ, we can make a lasting impact.
Every person has influence—how we use it determines the difference we make in the world.