Just as the Israelites were influenced by the nations around them, we as Christians, are often influenced by those around us, who aren’t Christians. We are called to be the salt of the earth. Salt is efficient in circumstance where there is no salt, an example of how we as Christians should make a difference where God has placed us amongst non-Christians.
Gideon was influenced by what he saw, and by the fear of those around him – the Israelites’ crops were being destroyed and their cattle were being stolen. But after the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, he lost all fear, and reacted with boldness. This is what we as Christians need, to become the influencers, instead of being influenced by the Joneses next door.
Neh.9 Deut.20:18 Judg.6 2 Cor.6:17-18 Rom.12:2 Ps.91 Joh.14:26-27 2 Tim.1:7