What is Undue Influence? It can be defined as a powerful influence by which a person is induced to act otherwise than by their own free will or without adequate attention to the consequences as we seek to please others out of a sense of fear, guilt, or obligation. I would add that a riotous mob, in person or online, could also have this kind of outcome. This has become so apparent in our culture today. It seems to me that we are no longer seeking to be personally responsible for anything and are quick to pass the buck of responsibility on to someone else.
This is where we might hear the excuses; “Hey man, everyone else is doing it,” or “Well, they made me do it.” By the way, those are never a good reason to act with reckless abandonment of what is just and right. Why? For we will all give an account to God alone for our actions and words. Paul said; “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: ‘As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then, each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:10-12)
Jesus said; “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36–37) Think about that for a moment. You and I will stand before God and answer for our lives as Christians! That’s right, these verses are written to believers. Paul said; “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) Yes, our actions, words, and even motives will be judged with fire. Yet, we will be secure in the love of Jesus who died for all our sins. Therefore, seek to do what is right, not what is popular!