Deuteronomy 20:8
“Then the officers shall speak further to the people and say, ‘Who is the man that is afraid and fainthearted? Let him depart and return to his house, so that he might not make his brothers’ hearts melt like his heart.’”
God gave the encouragement to be confident. He was going in to battle with them and was going to provide the victory. Moses had the officers speak to the people and provide several exceptions: engaged, started a new business and fearful to the point of passing out. These could leave the battle camp and go home.
What caught my attention is the reason he asked the terrified one to leave; he would make his friend terrified as well. This communicates the truth that attitudes are contagious. If they be good or bad, they tend to be transmitted to others.
We want to be influencers for good. We will all influence one way or another. Will it be for good, bad or indifference?
Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” We all get upset by life’s circumstances. There are usually people who we perceive as wronging us. There’s a temptation to hold on to that and become bitter. When this happens, it taints all of our lives. Unfortunately it infects those around us and they adopt our attitudes. That’s the point of verse 15, our bitterness defiles many.
Sticking with Hebrews, it tells us to not fall short of the grace of God. Holding on to things and being unforgiving is falling short. He wants us to forgive and let things go. He forgave us, so we are to forgive others. This is being a good influence.
Lord, help us to not fall short of Your grace. Help us to be a good influence on others.