Devotional
Have you ever noticed how you start picking up the habits, attitudes, and even the speech patterns of people you spend time with? It’s almost automatic. When Israel surrounded themselves with voices that promoted Baal worship, they gradually drifted away from God without even realizing it. The same principle applies to us today. Think about the voices that fill your daily life – the podcasts you listen to, the social media feeds you scroll through, the friends you confide in, the coworkers you grab lunch with. Each voice is subtly shaping your thoughts, your values, and your responses to life’s challenges. This isn’t about becoming isolated or judgmental toward others. It’s about being intentional with the influences we allow into our hearts and minds. When we surround ourselves with people who encourage faith, speak life, and point us toward God’s truth, we naturally grow in those directions. But when we consistently expose ourselves to negativity, criticism, or ungodly perspectives, we’ll find ourselves becoming more like what we consume. The beautiful thing is that you have a choice in this. You can evaluate the voices in your life and make adjustments. You can seek out friendships and influences that will draw you closer to God rather than pull you away. You can choose to be the kind of voice that encourages others in their faith journey. Remember, influence is powerful, but it works both ways. As you’re being influenced, you’re also influencing others. What kind of voice are you in someone else’s life today?
Bible Verse
“And he said, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.'” – 1 Kings 19:10
Reflection Question
What voices in your life are currently shaping your thoughts and attitudes, and are they drawing you closer to God or pulling you away from Him?
Quote You will be influenced by the voices you let surround you. Israel falls influence to the voices that are around her. And you and I need to learn from that, that the people we surround ourselves with are going to influence us.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be discerning about the influences I allow into my life. Surround me with people who will encourage my faith and help me grow closer to You. Make me a positive influence in the lives of others as well. Amen.