“But now I have written unto you not to keep company if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to eat.” (1 Corinthians 5:11)
The Lord knows the power or influence of association, hence His warning to us not to associate with evil people. Even in the church, there are some believers we are warned not to keep company with or have as friends. In the passage under review, Apostle Paul sternly warned, and instructed us not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, is greedy, worships idols, is abusive, is a drunkard, or cheats people. He said we should not even eat with such people. No one is immune to influence, as such you should be mindful of your association. You are influenced positively or negatively by the people you associate with. If you keep company with the wise, you will be wise. And if you are a companion of fools, you will be a fool! The Bible says, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20)
The Lord warns us not to make friends with anger-bedevilled people!
“Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man thou shalt not go:” (Proverbs 22:24)
You must understand that:
- Evil associations can endanger your life! There is nothing that endangers one’s life like an evil association. Do you know that it was when King Jehoshaphat joined affinity with king Ahab who was evil personified that his life got endangered? If he had not cried out for divine help he would have been killed! The Bible says, “… they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God moved them to depart from him.” (2 Chronicles 18:31)
- The Company you keep will determine what accompanies you!
The company or people you follow determines what follows you!
The easiest way to attract favours, liftings and blessings into your life is to locate favoured or blessed people and keep company with them. Also, the easiest way to attract evil things into your life is to keep company with the wicked and evildoers! - The Company you keep is a function of choice!
Life is a choice! Friendship is a choice. As such, you should be deliberate about who you associate with. Choose your company or friends wisely. Ask yourself if the person you want to company with shares a common vision, values, and interests with you. Does he or she love and fear God? Is he or she in pursuit of a divine purpose or agenda? You cannot afford to partner with haters of God. How can you say you love God but your close friends are God-haters!
I decree and declare that you will keep company with people who will add value to your life in Jesus’ mighty name!
Yours sincerely,
Joe Jesimiel Ogbe
Ydiradio.com