2 Corinthians 10:12-13 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹² Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. ¹³ But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.

What do we know of the world outside of our limited travel? There is the travel channel. We can see foreign lands, sights and wonders. The animal channel allows us to see animals we might not ever see otherwise. Behaviors and social order is told to us from an observer’s point of view. It can be very entertaining, if that is your interest.

The comparing of social norms in entertainment gives the screenplay a sense of reality, even if it is wrong. In order to make money in that industry they have to compete with one another to draw the viewer into their realm of influence. Now we have television channels geared towards special interest such as cooking, travel, buying and selling of homes and jewelry.

When did influence turn into authority to tell you how to think? How did we stray so far from the word of God into a position of declaring sin to be acceptable? Sin is now glorified and simple murder isn’t entertaining enough, it has to become more violent. Video games glorify violence to the point that it has desensitized us to the point of acceptance.

What are our influences? Are they leading us to peace and harmony or to destruction?

It is not for me to politicize a devotional, only to warn readers to be careful about influences in our lives.

A Christian’s Godly behavior and language should influence those around us to inquire about this God we serve.

As a child my family was not a godly influence. God found others to influence me.

Now is our time to be influential.  

2 Peter 1:4 English Standard Version (ESV) by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

The KJV replaces may with might but the same question arises from the use of either. It implies that there is no guarantee. Is this a question of our ability to deny God’s promises? So I go to the Greek and find the word gnomai, Strong’s G1096. In every case where it is used there are no negative assertions. They are all positive outcomes.

Our inexact ability to translate accurately the meaning and intent of every word is hindered where one word has so many uses. This word is used in 24 different way and occurs 14 times without definition and used twice as a derivative of the word done.

How are we to distinguish the meaning of any particular usage in context to the rest of the passage? One way is to look at this promised. We are to be partakers of the divine nature. Since this includes words associated with escape from corruption in this world, one can assume this is a here and now experience.

The may part which could be construed as being an incomplete experience is for us to die before becoming mature. That still leaves us with our translation into perfection at our resurrection. Considering that we do not all mature at the same rate I will leave the understanding between you and the Holy Spirit.

These issues are complex, especially when translated into English, a very imprecise language. They are best left to the Holy Spirit to give us peace of mind. So why do I even speak to this issue?

Do not assume negative connotations surrounding the promises of God.

Ezekiel 37:14 English Standard Version (ESV) And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.

 God said it. God will do it.