Influence

I recently had a conversation with a friend about, of all things, video games. Now I'm not going to enter into discussion on the value or validity of such things, that's a topic for another time.

But in the discussion I realized that for better or worse, being a gamer in my young years, I was vastly influenced by them.

In fact, all of us are shaped by many different things, especially in our formative years.

I'm also throwing around the idea of writing about some of the influences I've had as a Christian and a photographer. How have the influences in those spheres had an impact on me? What impact has it been?

The truth is we're all building on things laid before us. And our lives are reflections of what has come before, what we have taken into our hearts and minds.

There is much spiritual application to this principle. Of course Paul speaks about building on other foundations than that which has been set down for us. After talking of how one plants, another waters (regarding spiritual things), he goes on to discuss this idea of building upon the foundation of Jesus:

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

In terms of our hearts and how they are shaped, Scripture also speaks:

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." - Proverbs 4:23 (cf. Luke 6:45, Romans 12:1-2)

So, what we take in, certainly affects us. And so, we must be mindful, because bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33). I think that can be extended to things other than people as well.

So would I even be a photographer if it weren't for some of the things that happened earlier in my life? If I didn't listen to the eclectic mix of music (including from video games) I did in my younger years, would I have developed any musicality? The biggest consideration of course, is that if it weren't for my parents decisions, I would not have been in church and thus potentially not have been brought to salvation?

This of course begs the question of God's sovereignty, something we have tackled elsewhere. Suffice it to say however, there's no doubt that God uses events to shape us (Genesis 50:20).

But that doesn't give us an excuse to take in bad examples, or to be that towards others; we can't just say "but God will use it!"

No, we're called to follow His commands.

Where I want to leave this today though, is to ask the question: what influence am I having on others?

Will the people I know say in years to come "Man, Jeremey really had an impact on my life."

If so, what impact will it have been? Negative? Positive? You of course, can put your name in that sentence as well.

So, I admit some games (right or wrong) had an impact on me in various ways, even some positive, by God's grace. All the more, theologians, pastors, and many many people have helped to shape my life in ways I couldn't even comprehend at the moment.

So, can I (or you) look back and say we have done the same for others?

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