Under The Influence!

It was Buck Owens that wrote the song titled, “Under the influence of love”. Here’s the second stanza: “For I was under the influence of love; I wonder now what I was thinking of; Yes I was so in love I let her hurting me though I knew better; under the influence of love”. Kai! There should be an autopsy for that kinda love!

Have you seen anyone under the influence of alcohol? Moral inhibitions drastically reduce. The fellow finds it difficult to use common sense discretions. Sound judgment suffers as perception is impaired. A driver under influence is thrice more likely to be in a fatal accident than when sober.

The power of words!

Powerful influences. But the most consequential & longest lasting, ‘under the influence’ experience are “words”. And sometimes, we are unaware of whose words are controlling our lives. Parents. Teachers. Preachers. Friends. Movies. Enemies, etc. Positive words. Negative words. Ideas. Thought patterns. Models. Beliefs. Propaganda etc.

Words can hypnotize the mind! A person under the influence of a hypnotist is alive. He may be communicating. But the mind is arrested by suggestive words. The attention is so taken up by the controlling influence that peripheral awareness is reduced. He is engaged, but more like a zombie!

Think for yourself!

Many think that they think, when in truth, they only rearrange the thoughts of others downloaded into their mind spaces. They quickly regurgitate what they did not masticate. Truth is anything that somebody they believe in says to be true. They will fight to defend a position they don’t understand. Their mind was made up for them.

But that’s not Gods will for us! He gave us the spirit of a sound mind
2 Tim 1:7

Our minds must be discerning spiritually, politically, socially, etc.

Refuse to follow the mob. Pray! Think! Question! Look at it from different angles! And most importantly, check up on what the scriptures teaches!

Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head.
Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. – Eph 5:14-17 (MSG)

Prayers:

The Lord give you help in all areas. May your journey be quicker & easier. Wisdom is given you! You will not make the destiny errors that destroyed many! This year will bless you in Jesus Christ name!

Much Love

George Izunwa
Lead Pastor