“But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.” Numbers 14:24 ESV

In today’s social media era, we see countless voices online influencing people—some for good and others for harm. There is tremendous power in influence. By influencing others, we can either lead them toward their destiny or cause them to lose their way.

When we influence someone, it comes from our inner self—that place where our thoughts and values are formed. We naturally project our perception, and the person we influence often begins to see things through our lens.

Throughout history, there have been powerful influencers who shaped the world. Hitler is an example of a negative influence, while Martin Luther King Jr. is an example of a positive one. We are accountable for the way we influence others—whether for good or bad.

The Bible warns about the dangers of leading people in the wrong direction.

Moses selected twelve men—one from each tribe—to explore the land God had promised. After forty days in Canaan, they reported that it was indeed a land flowing with milk and honey—a rich and fruitful place. They even displayed the large produce they brought back as proof.

However, ten of them gave a fearful report. They said the land was filled with giants, that the cities were large and fortified, and that the people were too powerful to overcome. Their words planted fear in the hearts of the Israelites.

Only Joshua and Caleb stood firm in faith. The ten men’s negative influence crushed the people’s hope and caused them to lose sight of God’s promise. Fear replaced faith, and the people began to see the giants as greater than God Himself.

The fear of death blinded them to the purpose for which they were rescued from Egypt. They cried out against Moses and Aaron and even longed to return to slavery rather than step into freedom.

Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes in grief and urged the people not to be afraid. They reminded everyone that the Lord was with them and that He would surely give them the land He had promised.

The Bible says that Joshua and Caleb had a different spirit. Their faith and courage stood out in the midst of doubt and fear. But instead of listening, the people wanted to stone them for speaking encouragement.

The result of the crowd’s unbelief was tragic. None of those who doubted and grumbled against God entered the Promised Land. They perished in the wilderness. Only Joshua, Caleb, and the next generation entered the land flowing with milk and honey.

Those who were negatively influenced missed their opportunity to enjoy God’s blessing. But Joshua and Caleb, guided by the Holy Spirit, walked into the fulfillment of God’s promise. Without the Spirit’s leading, we too can become overwhelmed by fear and discouragement.

For Joshua and Caleb, the giants looked like prey; but to the rest, they looked like grasshoppers before the giants. Joshua and Caleb had trained their hearts to see through God’s lens. They had witnessed His mighty hand upon their people and knew that God’s heart was always for their good.

They influenced the people with faith, but the crowd chose not to listen. When the time came, Joshua and Caleb stood their ground, faced the giants, and conquered what God had placed in their hands.

Be careful who your ears are tuned to. Are you listening to voices of negativity, fear, and hopelessness? If so, surround yourself with godly influences—people who speak faith and truth. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern the people and places that shape your life.

No matter what you see or hear, stand on the promises of God and stay connected with His people. Two are always better than one—because when you fall or lose heart, the other can lift you up and help you walk toward your destiny.

God is serious about your destiny. He will deal with every bad influence in His own way. Do not allow anyone to mislead or hinder your path to the Promised Land.

Be a godly influencer—lift others up, guide them toward hope, and lead them into their God given purpose.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be a godly influence wherever I go. Guard my heart from fear and negativity, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I may lead others in truth and love. Teach me to see through Your eyes, to speak life, and to stand firm on Your promises.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.