Under the Influence
by David J. Shock
In the present time period, wars and battles are taking place all across the world. There are wars against terrorists and battles between tribes and nations. Wars are also taking place to defend freedom, religion, and peace. But, all these different types of wars do not compare in severity to the war raging against the teenagers in every continent of the earth. The battle against young people is being led by Satan himself. The Devil has chosen youth as his main target of attack so the next generation will turn their backs further away from God. Children and teenagers are the most vulnerable because of lack of wisdom, maturity, and spirituality.
Satan attacks young people in three different areas of their lives. (1) Satan attacks their minds. (2) Satan attacks their hearts. (3) Satan attacks their homes. The Bible says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1Peter 5:8) There is only one true way to combat the attacks of the devil. The Bible commands Christians to “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
The most dangerous way Satan affects young people in his attacks are through influences of evil. According to the Webster’s dictionary, the word influence means, “to affect; to move; to persuade; to induce.” Influence can be a very powerful thing. The best illustration of being influenced in a wrong way is a person driving under the influence of alcohol. This is called a DUI in police terms.
When a person becomes so intoxicated with mind altering substances, they lose the ability to think clearly and use wisdom. Likewise, a person that fills their mind with worldly influences loses their ability to make good and wise decisions for God. So…as a Christian teenager, start making godly choices about what you allow to influence you and begin living your life out loud for the Lord Jesus Christ!
