R U Influenced?

Pictures.

Author's Note:  Much is influencing us these days; our culture, our government, friends, family, but, what about the influence of God on our lives?  Shouldn't He be influencing everything?  Even the most mundane activities should be under His influence.  So, my question for you is R U Influenced?

The pictures of past girlfriends stood beside the flat-screen like a proud hunter’s trophies above a mantle.  The photos were a less-than-subtle reminder of past romantic conquests; however, his current girlfriend was, he thought, different.  She was special.  He, at times, even allowed himself to think that she could actually “be the one.”  And tonight would be memorable.  He had invited her to his apartment for a meal that he would prepare himself.  He would dress sharply.  The mood would be set by soft music, candles, a neatly appointed table and those pictures of old girlfriends…whoa…just a second…hold it…pictures of ex-girlfriends??  Would he actually keep those pictures up for his new love to spot?  Of course not.  The photos would most certainly not be appreciated by his new love.  Obviously, out of respect for his new girlfriend, he would destroy the pictures, or, at the very least, tuck them out of view for the night. 

No man in his right mind would keep such photos up when he is trying to convince a woman of his loyalty and love.  Yet, how many people invite Christ into the “apartment” that is their heart, but will continue to hold on to other “gods” from their past?  Why would a person be more worried about offending a special lady than he is of offending the God of the universe? 

I recently spoke with a twenty-something who had just begun a relationship with Christ.  He asked me whether or not he should remove the Buddha statues from his apartment now that he was serving Christ.  The answer was obvious, and God himself addressed it, when he instructed us in Scripture to “have no other gods before me.”  In reality, the “gods” that you place before the true God may not be images of Buddha, but these “gods” may be personal ambition, personal plans, a flashy car, a job, or even a relationship.  If Christ is in your life, such things cannot stand as being before or even equal to him.  Christ requires that we serve him alone and not money, ourselves or others.  You may have invited Christ into the apartment that is your heart, but isn’t it time to get rid of the pictures?

My Thoughts: Take a moment to consider your own life.  Do you put God first?  Do you consult Him before you purchase that new car?  Go on a date?  What are you holding back from Him?

Comments?  Select "comments" in the below.

By Wade B. Mumm, PhD

PS - I endorse these websites, check them out:  www.allengroupe.com; www.influenceliving.com; www.greenewaychurch.com.

Cupid's Arrows Can Carry Messages

Author's Note:  Much is influencing us these days; our culture, our government, friends, family, but, what about the influence of God on our lives?  Shouldn't He be influencing everything?  Even the most mundane activities should be under His influence.  So, my question for you is: R U Influenced?

Consider this during February, the month of romance...

Cupid lines up the targeting mechanism on his “bow of love” and draws back.  He releases.  “Twaaack!”  Lovers are hit with the arrow carrying its message of true love.  It’s February, the time of year when even men and women turn their attention to true love.  In reality; however, not all arrows carry messages of love…

He is five.  It has taken him all day to successfully plan and build his “fort.”  He dreams of how proud his father will be of the garrison in the family room!  He can’t wait until together they will wage war toward their unseen enemy from its walls.  When you are five, dad is hero and battle buddy.  The day at work has been arduous for dad.  The boss redirected unexpected duties his way and the migraine has gained in its intensity.  He longs to get home, sit in his favorite chair, turn on the widescreen, and drift asleep to the evening news.  The outcome is predictable.  Dad comes home, enters the house, and steps toward his favorite chair.  But before he can reach his place of refuge, his young son bounces on him attempting to enlist him to wage “war.”  Dad, exhausted and worn from his own day of combat at the office, brushes the little warrior aside with something like, “Not now and leave me alone!”  “Twaack!”  The arrow has lodged deeply in the mind of the lad and its message is clear – “There must be something wrong with me.”  Truthfully, the father meant nothing of the sort, but his flippant words became a penetrating arrow carrying its harmful message directly to its young target.  What messages do your words send to those around you?  A good man, or woman, will take just a moment and consider and choose his or her words carefully because the bow is pulled back...

My thoughts:  Hopefully, this article has reminded you watch the words you speak.  Scripture, understanding our struggle controlling our tongue, is full of advice when it comes to our language because words can carry so much.  James 1:26 reminds us, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless" (NIV).  This February, consider your words carefully.

Discussion:  Ever said anything you wish you could take back?  Have you allowed the words of others to define who you are?  How does this apply at the job?  At home?  At school?  Leave your comments in the below.

By Wade Mumm, PhD

PS - I endorse these websites, check them out:  www.allengroupe.com; www.influenceliving.com; www.greenewaychurch.com.

Plan For Your Peak This Year

Author's Note:  Much is influencing us these days; our culture, our government, friends, family, but, what about the influence of God on our lives?  Shouldn't He be influencing everything?  Even the most mundane activities should be under His influence.  So, my question for you is: R U Influenced?

Please take a moment to read my article for this month and offer your comments:

He is handsome, athletic, and born into a family of means.  Dreaming comes easy for him – planning and preparing do not.  He dreams of one day becoming a leading business man; however, he has no plan – no God-given plan for his life – just a dream and no direction.  After high school, he tries community college, but lacks the discipline to finish.  He enlists in the Army, but is dismissed receiving the dishonorable discharge.  Returning home, he happily mooches off his parents preferring to party rather than work.  At thirty, he takes an around-the-world trip funded by his father’s credit card.  At forty, he hops from entry level job to entry level job.  But then, miraculously, at the age of 50, when most men begin to hit their professional peak, he is handed a healthy six-digit income and is appointed as head of a promising business…Could this story really be true?  Not likely.  In the real world, a person usually doesn’t just appear one day as the CEO of an organization without years of preparation and hard work – in his or her dreams maybe, but not in the real world.  Some want to bypass the hard work and determination it takes to be successful.  They want achievement summarily handed to them – as though they inherently deserve it.  According to Scripture, the person who is rewarded is the one who works hard.  Want to reach your peak?  Then, plan for your peak and start this year!  It won’t just happen with a toss of pixy dust.  Find a mentor.  Choose someone who is where you want to be when you reach your professional peak.  Study their lives to see how they became successful and likely you’ll find a plan.  Did they get their Master’s degree by the age of 28?  Did they take a sales position at the age of 30?  Were they a regional director at the age of 40?  With God’s help, make a plan of your own and know though God may change your plans, he still honors a person who makes an effort.  Perhaps, one day, you’ll reach your peak…the right way!

My thoughts:  It is my hope that 2009, despite all its challenges, will be a year that you will make a plan, and with God's help, accomplish all you are destined to accomplish.  You will have some great opportunities, but will you be positioned to take advantage of these opportunities?

Here are a couple questions to get our discussion going:  What are you doing to position yourself for success in 2009?  What role does God play in your plan?

By Wade B. Mumm, PhD