As we enter the month of February I felt impressed to discuss the importance of proper relationships as a believer. The Word of God has much to say on the subject. It seems that many Christians fail to recognize the value or detriment of associations. I am convinced that relationships can make or break you in this life.
Psalms 1:1-3 declares, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of the sinner, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of living water, that bringeth forth fruit in his season; his leaf shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Here the Word of God warns us concerning close intimate associations with people of the world and the danger of interacting with their behavior. The regression is obviously seen in these verses. First one is walking, then standing and suddenly sitting in the wrong company, finding a snare for themselves. We must remember that we are in this world and not of it. All ungodly relationships will ultimately pull us down and away from our first love, Jesus.
Worldly Associations Will Hinder You
We can choose who we spend our time with. Godly relationships will provoke us unto good works and spiritual progress. Ungodly relationships will hinder us from God and His amazing will for our lives. Hosea 7:8 (Living Bible) declares, “My people mingled with the heathen, picking up their evil ways; thus they became as good for nothing as half baked cakes.” Amazingly, there are those who serve God who think nothing of going to bars, parties and other worldly places, thinking it won’t affect them.
1 Corinthians 15:33 (Amplified Bible) declares, “Do not be deceived and misled. Evil companionship (communion, associations) corrupts and depraves good manners and morals and character.” The Living Bible says, “Don’t be fooled by those who say such things. If you listen to them you will start acting like them.” The God’s Word Translation says, “Don’t let anyone deceive you. Associating with bad people will ruin decent people.” Proverbs 13:20 declares, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but the companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Proverbs 24:1 declares, “Be not envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.” Determine to not associate with the ways of the world through the lives of the ungodly. We are in this world to reach the lost and be relatable, but not to participate in the sins of the world.
Walking with those that Fear Him
People that fear God and love Him will only call you forward, not backward. Psalms 119:63 declares, “I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that love thy precepts.” The Message bible declares, “I’m a friend and companion of all that fear you, of those committed to living by your rules.” The Living Bible declares, “Anyone is my brother who fears and trusts the Lord and obeys Him.”
Godly Associations Must be our Choice
Determine to make wise choices and walk with the wise in increasing unwise times. He is planning good relationships for you. Be discerning and wise and pray about who you are close with in these last days. Allow healthy relationships to bring you up higher to God and avoid those that may be hindering you from Him and His plans.
Thank you for your faithful friendship and love to our lives and ministry.
