We are easily influenced. It is a feature of humanity (and not a bug) that we learn best by example, by imitation. We are natural imitators and thrive on a combination of formal instruction and observable example. It is little wonder then that we cast about for teachers, for mentors, for people who can influence us, people we can imitate. All the while we know that we must find truthful and trustworthy influencers. With this in mind, we’d do well to hear Jesus’s back-to-back warnings about the power and perils of influence in Luke 6.
His first warning comes in the form of a miniature parable. “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit” (Luke 6:39)? Here we are to picture a blind man who needs to travel from one place to another. There were no guide dogs in Jesus’s day, no white canes, no sidewalks. The roads were unpaved and often scarred by holes and ruts. It was not easy to be blind and it was not possible to be independent and blind. This blind man needs assistance if he is to travel safely, so he cries out
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