Deuteronomy 13:6 If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; 8 Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him.
This passage of scripture speaks volumes to the various influences that are exerted over us, and through us from day to day, with those whom we associate on a regular basis. We are social beings and every individual exerts an influence on others, either for good or for evil, and therefore we are responsible by association, for that which we encourage in others. It's important for us to observe carefully how in the spiritual realm, both good and evil angels exercise their power over human minds. As a general rule of thumb, angels have very little to say verbally to human beings, but instead utilize the human agent as an accessory to righteousness or crime.
For instance, we observe in the garden of Eden, after satan succeeded in getting Eve to sin, he thereafter said absolutely nothing to Adam. However, somehow through the agency of his wife, Adam ended up doing satan's bidding. On the contrary we have a well known prophecy in the book of revelation telling us that three angels from heaven were seen flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to earth's inhabitants. Since that prophecy was made, millions of people have been converted to Christianity, yet real angels have never, ever been seen or heard by most people.
This tells us that what actually takes place behind the scenes, is the fact that our minds are infused with thoughts and ideas from good or evil angels, and thus we in turn then pass on verbally, or by our actions, the very suggestions that were given to us. Thus a cycle of good or evil is set in motion through spiritual and human agencies, which always have a ripple effect on more and more persons. This is what Jesus recognized and pointed out when Peter's mind was infused with a satanic thought, to which Peter then gave voice. Let's read:
Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
That's why it is of critical importance for the Christian to correctly identify the source of all ideas, concepts, suggestions, and influences, and the only way this can be done is by studying the word of God which makes us wise unto salvation. Let's read:
2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Many people today began drinking alcohol, or smoking cigarets through the bad influence of friends or loved ones. Many notable people in the political and entertainment arenas have become drug addicts, and very many individuals have become hooked on pornography through the bad influence of those whom they associated with. The passage in Deuteronomy teaches us to say no when asked, encouraged, or urged to do evil. A a matter of fact, the entire instruction on refusing bad influences is summed up in the following verse. Let's read:
Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
One day I was doing some work for an individual who had a knowledge of the scriptural principles regarding the use of alcoholic beverages, because I had previously explained my position on the matter. However, because it was hot and sunny outside where I was working, the person brought out two cold beers, and urged me more than once to quench my thirst. If I had consented, then the influence exerted over me would have led to a violation of principle, and could have been the beginning of a lifelong habit of substance abuse.
That's why it is of critical importance that wherever we may go and whatever we may do, that our influence be on the side of righteousness. In other words, when we examine our actions, words, and deportment, we should be able to say with a clear conscience that we did not encourage anyone to do evil, but rather exhorted by precept and example, to live a life of holiness. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reminds us of our duty as Christians, to exercise an influence for good, through the power of the indwelling Christ, for this is what we are called to do. Let's read:
Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
May God help us to always be cognizant of the influence we shed on the pathway of others, for it is God's will that our example be a savor of life unto life. "Good night" and God bless!