GODLY ASSOCIATIONS (1)
Who are your friends. Who are those you mingle with.
1 Corinthians 15:33 says, Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners
The word translated, above is the Greek “Homilia” and it has to do with such conversation or communion that’s coming from companionship; those you associate with.
It is important to be mindful of your associations; those you listen to and relate with; they can either build or corrupt your life.
Also listening to such false teachings, the Bible says, can give a corrupt mindset. Don’t just listen to any preacher or teacher because they seem to be saying something religious.
Don’t receive counsel from just anyone, neither should you read every book and listen to every preacher you see on TV. The Bible says to prove every doctrine; it’s the reason you must study and know the Scriptures for yourself, so you’re not tossed around by every wind of doctrine. Your behaviour, your life, would be greatly affected by their communication (Ephesians 4:14).
You may think the communication or information being passed to you is harmless. But it’s akin to somebody sowing the wrong seeds in your garden, while you simply look on. Those seeds would certainly grow.
You may say, “I’m just listening or reading the book; I really don’t believe the message.” Don’t be deceived; they’re sowing seeds into your life that’ll reproduce.
Let the wisdom of God guide you in choosing your friends; those you move with; those who inspire you to greatness and excellence; those who inspire the best in you to fulfil God’s purpose for your life.
If someone, whom you may even respect, tells you something you know isn’t consistent with the Word, reject it. Accept only that which is consistent with the word of righteousness in Christ Jesus.
GODLY ASSOCIATIONS (2)
It matters those you associate with.
Romans 16:17 - Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them
We are admonished to mark and avoid those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine of Christ. You’ve been taught the love of Christ; you’ve been indoctrinated with the Word of God in a certain direction; continue in the Word. Mark and avoid those who live contrary to the truth of the Gospel; the truth that you’ve been taught. This is God’s instruction.
Philippians 3:2 - Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
The scripture above admonishes It’s the same warning He gave through the Apostle Paul to the Philippian church; he said, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision”
Now, this admonition is primarily for us to stay away from those in the church who don’t follow the truth, who cause dissension and strife. He is referring here to mischief makers in the Church.
When you see a sign in a building that says, “Beware of dogs,” the sign isn’t telling you about the dogs outside that building, but the ones inside that particular house.
These could be people in the same local church, same cell group, same estate, neighbourhood, office, etc., and they’re Christians. He wouldn’t warn you about them if He didn’t think your association with them would be inimical to your Christian walk.
Many have found themselves in serious trouble for fraternizing with the wrong people. The Lord’s admonition is clear: you’re to “mark” and “avoid” mischief makers, not try to change them.
Don’t keep company with people who deliberately don’t walk in love, people who engender disunity in the Church; divisive elements who mislead others. Avoid the wrong associations.
People get messed up when they get involved with a messed up person. If you’ve had, or have friends with whom you’re not experiencing any meaningful spiritual progress, or whose friendship hinders your effectiveness in the Gospel, it’s high time you gave up such friendships. Don’t negotiate; just end it, so your participation in the faith—your Christian life—would be effectual as it should be.