In the November 1987 issue of Reader’s Digest, Betty Wein retold an old tale she heard from Elie Wiesel, a world-renowned Jewish novelist, philosopher, political activist, and Holocaust survivor: 

“A just man comes to Sodom hoping to save the city. He pickets. What else can he do? He goes from street to street, from marketplace to marketplace, shouting, ‘Men and women, repent. What you are doing is wrong. It will kill you; it will destroy you!’ 

“They laugh, but he goes on shouting, until one day, a child stops him. ‘Poor stranger, don’t you see it’s useless?’ 

“‘Yes,’ the just man replies. 

“‘Then why do you go on?’ the child asks. 

“‘I was convinced that I would change them. Now I go on shouting because I don’t want them to change me.’ “

To the church at Corinth, Paul said, “You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:2-3).

Even as Christians, we can easily be led astray to idols and gods of our culture by the influence of others if we’re not careful.

Jesus even warned, “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time” (Mark 13:22-23).

It’s just as easy to compromise our faith, even a little, as it is to be influenced. Always guard your heart and mind with the truth of God’s Word.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to guard your heart and mind against evil influences.