“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
1Cor.15.33
Discussion
DISCUSSION:
Every man is a product of influence. You are the way you are today and think the way you think because of the influences that have shaped your behaviour. Your parents, friends, school, church, etc all add up to the person you’re becoming. When we realize the power of the people around us to influence us, we would be more deliberate in choosing our circle. Some people choose a church because it's closest to their residence. That would have been acceptable if every assembly was sound in doctrine and truly committed to the Spirit of God, but unfortunately, it's not so for now. The church you fellowship with and the pastor you listen to have more influence over your behaviour than you may like to admit. You're demon conscious because of who is talking to you. You are God conscious because of who is talking to you. This is true! Just as the bible says in Prov 13:20; "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed" the words you constantly hear and the examples you regularly see, will shape your belief patterns and ultimately mold your attitude to life. Keeping company with an angry person will train you to be angry as well. Prov 22:24-25; "Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul."NLT. Whatever you see in your close associations is what will eventually manifest in you too. Some people think they can get away with hanging out with wrong people. That's self-deception. Read 1Cor15:33 in the Amplified Translation; "Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character." For somebody reading this right now, this may be the reason why you aren't able to sustain spiritual fervency. Your fire keeps going high today and low tomorrow. Stay away from carnal folks if you don't want to be carnal. Keeping regular company with godly/spiritually fervent people will impart same to you. It's your responsibility to choose your friends, therefore choose wisely. Deliberately surround yourself with the people who have the knowledge of God you'd like to see in your life. Take action on this today and see how quickly your life begins to change. Shalom Uvracha!