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Influence - a) the power of persons or things to affect others, seen only in its effects, b) the action of effect of such power, c) the power of a person or group to produce effects without the exertion of physical force or authority, based on wealth, social position, ability
Both positive and negative influences are very powerful.
There is an account in the Bible telling the consequences of acting as a result of influence.
Mark 6
21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee ;
22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
The king was influenced to make a decision that he would not otherwise have made. We can be influenced by from several sources: lust, pleasures of the flesh, family, parents, friends, music, peer pressure, attitudes, anything that makes an impression on us and causes us to act or think differently than we would have previously. It is our responsibility to be conscious about what and who we allow to influence us. If we act on influences with out thought, we can compromise our testimony, salvation, and influence others in a negative fashion.
Just as others influence us, we have an opportunity to be an influence to others. If our attitude is consistent toward the things of God, others will be positively influenced by us. Let us be mindful of the way we present ourselves, what we say and how we act. May we not be the cause of someone regretting their actions as a result to our influence.
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Young Adult 
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