For a long time, people have been given to materialism and earthly things instead of pursuing God. We’ve valued entertainment over learning, what’s popular over what’s right, and what brings us happiness over what brings God joy.
None of us, Christians or not, are exceptions. We’re all sinners, guilty of sinning, which is literally anything we think, say, or do that is against God. If something isn’t for God, it is most likely against Him and His will.
But why do so many people do what’s wrong over what’s right? Why do so many people slip out of God’s way and into the ways of our culture?
Bad Influences Aren’t Just People!
Among other reasons, this is largely due to the influences around us. Most of us know there are good influences and bad influences, and we should try not to stick around the bad. If someone is smoking constantly, cussing, or just has an overly negative attitude, we should probably steer clear, especially if they are not open to change.
“Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
But have you ever thought of entertainment as an influence?
Influences aren’t just people—movies, TV shows, music, books, and games can all be a bad influence on your life. Some of the most popular book series and movies are riddled with bad language, openly glorify sin, and promote unbiblical ideas like stealing, lying, killing, immodesty, and most recently, abortion and LGBTQ+ lifestyles.
Many Christians avoid thinking about the content of their entertainment choices, because it is uncomfortable to admit that they read or watch something with these ungodly messages. They try to justify their entertainment choices saying, “But it won’t affect me! If I don’t agree with what’s in it, then it doesn’t matter what I read/watch/hear. It’s not that bad.”
Though you may not realize it, the things you read, watch, or hear (especially music) will stick in your head, and over time, change the way you think and believe. Everyone can be influenced, some more than others, but the Bible makes it clear what we should and shouldn’t think about:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8
If you admit you don’t agree with the content of something and know it’s bad, why put it in your mind? As Christians, we are called to fill our minds with good.
How Do You Avoid Bad Influences?
Sometimes influences are inescapable—like kids in your classroom, your family, and music playing at a store, restaurant, or other business you go to. But sometimes we make excuses, saying we can’t avoid something, when really, it wouldn’t be that hard. And even if it is, we all need to be doing more hard things.
A bad influence might be the music you listen to—something with cussing, or with inappropriate or negative lyrics. It could be a gory or crude humored show, movie, or book, you name it. With all of these, there are a few simple ways to avoid them:
1. Find godly replacements.
If you have a playlist of not-so-great music, replace it with a worship playlist. Try listening to a new Christian artist (you could ask your friends for suggestions). Watch sermons or movies with godly messages instead of other shows and movies. Find a new book series by a Christian fiction author –there are some amazing books out there! Or start reading non-fiction—again, from a Christian author. I’m not encouraging you to go read Darwin.
2. Spend time with God.
Pray or read the Bible instead of going back to your bad influences. Ask God to help you let go of the things that are having a negative effect on you, because chances are you won’t be able to do it alone. If you’re hanging around people who constantly remind you of those bad influences, you might want to stop being around them so much or ask them to stop bringing it up. They might even be trying to let go of those things like you are.
3. Share the good.
Once you have found a good replacement in a book or movie, share it with your friends and family. It’s something a lot of people are struggling with, even if they deny it, so don’t be afraid to bring it up. By sharing the good influences you’ve found, you’re being a good influence on others.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” -1 Corinthians 10:13
I like #3.
I often feel vulnerable and don’t share my reads. The funny part is that when I actually do share, the person seems sheepish and disappointed with himself for not reading much.
I feel rewarded and accomplished afterwards! It is so worth breath through that vulnerability for the sake of “provoking others to good works”!
Hey William! A lot of people enjoy reading, which can be good, but nine out of ten times they enjoy worldly things over anything labeled “Christian.” Keep sharing books, because you may hit on a question or interest that they’ve had, and that will get them reading!
It is so inspiring to see the younger generation realizing this. What we feed our spirits is so important. I really enjoyed this because not only did you speak truth, you also gave practical ways to put this into action. Thank you.
Thanks Santana!
Wonderful! Thank you for those practical tips. 🙂
Ava- so well written! Philippians 4:8 is one my favorite verses. I love how you shared examples of positive influences – great reminders that I often need. God Bless you Ava.
Thank you for the tips but in some teens bad influence has planted really bad seeds in their mind like sexual thoughts and no matter how hard they try it just stays there
Thanks, Julie!
Glad you liked it, Sara!
I understand that it is very hard to deal with the bad influences culture has on us, and at times we struggle with wrong or inappropriate thoughts. However, if, when we realize we are having improper thoughts we choose to stop and pray to God for help, he will provide it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says this: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” While improper thoughts are something we will struggle with, it is something we can overcome if we lean on God’s strength and not our own. I hope this was helpful to you! God bless!
Wow! That was great Ava! I often think some of the music I listen to is probably not the best, and I struggle! But now thats changed, with Gods help I gonna ditch that music!
So thank you Ava! What a great message that I will put into action!
I’m glad this helped you, Judah! God bless!
I agree with Santana. It is very inspiring to see a younger generation that is encouraging their peers to follow God and not settle for the standards of the culture that surrounds them. While I disagree with some of the points that were made, I am so glad you’re following your convictions and living the life God has called you to. Blessings!