Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 11 Jan 2008

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 11 Jan 2008

Proverbs 4:20-25 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. The gift of influence is so strong that as we look and study the younger generations we can see who influences them. When I was a teenager the biggest influence on my life was Michael Jordan and Pete Sampras. Playing basketball I imagine playing like him, till today I buy Michael Jordan shoes. When I’m on the tennis court I copy the same strokes as Pete Sampras. But what has happen to the biggest influencers in our generation today? There are so many cheaters through steroids, there are so many who are womanizers, there are so many that spend their money so frivolously, and many influencers don’t see the impact that they are making on the next generation. They don’t realize how much of an influence they have on our children. Today’s word of encouragement is about responsibility. We may not be famous; we may not feel like we are a leader, but EVERYONE HAS A MEASURE of leadership and influence on someone. We must be responsible to teach, to correct, and awaken people’s perspectives on life whether they may be a child or an adult. You see, even though Michael Jordan may be my hero, but I don’t know him. In the end of the day the people I turn to for advice are the ones that know me personally. We have got to take responsibility to be the right influence on people around us. I hope that Proverbs 4:20-25 will be a constant reminder to us all that we have to guard our hearts, and even be the right influence on others to teach them to guard their hearts as well. © Jan 2008 Shaun Lee