Article January 1, 2000 ISSUE

Don't be influenced by other people!

Laura Schrijver—The Netherlands

Why are so many people influenced by other things or other people? Is it because they don't feel strong enough and need to have someone else tell them what to say or do? Maybe they haven't yet found out who they really are themselves. They might not know how much they mean to other people. So they look in other directions to find happiness.

But the fact is, people can find happiness deep inside themselves. That's where it begins — knowing that God is with us and that He strengthens us.

Young people like to go dancing at clubs. There's nothing wrong with that. The problem comes when they think that by taking drugs and other stuff they're able to perform better.

I like to go out to clubs myself, but I don't use any of that kind of stuff. It feels great to enjoy good music and to have a great time with your friends. This is natural.

The way to dance well is to be there with your good thoughts. Good thoughts come from God. They help you use common sense.

Some people know exactly what they want. They think for themselves. They make other people happy with the things they do. These can be small things, like helping their parents with the dishes or making a visit to their grandparents.

When you're nice to someone or when you smile at that classmate you thought didn't like you, you get a smile in return — or a nice remark. Even if it's a little smile, it means that these people, too, can be nice. It's not difficult to smile. It can make a happy day for someone else — and a happy day for you, too!

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