INFLUENCE

by Donnie Bostwick

November 6, 2019

803

As a father, other than Love, there may not be a more powerful word in the human language than “INFLUENCE”. Who and what you allow to influence your children will not only impact, but will ultimately decide their future. I have gladly taken flack from both friends and foe when it comes to some of the things I do to control the influence on my kids and teams.

As a coach, I recruit my kids role models and I take that very serious. More games and championship opportunities have been lost by what has happened off the floor than on. I have seen more dreams destroyed by outside influence compared to opponents. Negative influence is arguably our biggest opponent. The truth is protecting your flock from the wolves is a 24/7 battle.

Never before in time has outside influence had better weapons to infiltrate our defenses. So the question is. How do we fight back?

I have found that staying on the offense is often the best option. Intentionally putting the Sword of the Spirit, The Word of God, in my players hands and hearts and teaching them how to fight the spiritual battle they can’t see is critical to advancing the Kingdom. My best strategy…. battle influence with influence!

The enemy uses things like music, movies, and misguided influencers that he attempts to use like moles destroying underground where nobody can see. As leaders, parents, and coaches, we are called to be both watchmen and gatekeepers. Called to be shepherd’s just like our Heavenly Father.

Since Jesus stripped Satan of authority, the enemy is powerless against us except for using deception, temptation, and lies. He knows scripture, but can only twist, or pervert the gifts of God such to tempt and defeat us. We have the Holy Spirit to help guide and empower us to win this battle.

With the increase of the availability of porn, the moral decline of what is allowed on tv, the movies, and smart phones has created a vicious attack on our kids. I ask again. How do we win battles like this?

This is not a battle that started yesterday, nor did it start with the king of rock and roll, Elvis. This battle begin the day that the angel Lucifer chose pride and self over worshiping God. This battle continued in the garden as Adam and Eve bit on the apple.

However; the tide not only changed in the biggest victory of all time, but the battle was finished by Jesus on the cross! It is still up to us whether we choose to be influenced by Jesus or the world, but we can be overcomers and win over the influence of the world.

With Kanye West and other famous people announcing their commitment to Christ. Christians have to be hopeful that their influence will be positive on youth. Like it or not, ANYONE of influence will be held to a higher standard by the Father.

Matthew 18:6 and Luke 17:2 “If anyone causes one of these little ones–those who believe in me–to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Which side of the debate do you fall?

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, less you be judged?

Or

Are we supposed to lean more to the Spirit of Discernment as we guard who influences are kids?

Here are a few verses on discernment:

1 Corinthians 12:10 …to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to DISCERN between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

“The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning”. Proverbs 14:6

Psalms 119:125 “I am your servant; give me discernment”.

In one of his recent interviews, Kanye West shares about how he was addicted to influence. He says that he is still overcoming this one and is learning the difference between God’s favor and man’s desire to be famous. We should pray for him, while at the same time watch his fruit and discern as he grows in his walk with Christ.

I pray for Kanye and all the famous people committing their lives to Christ. As a parent and coach i will stand at the door watching to see if they or anyone tries to influence my kids or players with music, tv, or social media. If their influence remains appropriate, I will be their biggest fans, if it crosses the line, then i will remove their influence.

Sadly some of the poorest influence I have seen over the years has come from coaches. Filthy language, encouraging premarital sex, and also encouraging the use of alcohol have been prevalent tendencies among many of the coaches I have observed over the years. Sadly these coaches influence is most likely even more impacting than famous people.

I will end with this.

If you want to win in what really matters:

1- Use your influence wisely

2- Guard fervently who you allow to influence your kids and team!

Cover Photo by Heike Mintel on Unsplash