1 Corinthians 15:33(KJV)
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
The importance of quality association cannot be over-emphasized. It can never be taken for granted. Association produces influence, positive or negative; it affects our outcomes in life. In life, we need wisdom for successful and profitable relationships; it is essential to destiny fulfillment. Bad association corrupts good and correct character. Wrong associations have ruined many great destinies. Irrespective of our background or lifestyle, the company we keep and the information we consume determine the predominant thoughts that rule our hearts. These go a long way to establishing who we are and the kind of future that awaits us. So, it is vital to know that if we must be successful, we have to associate with the right people who can directly or indirectly assist us in the success of our life and destiny. Proverbs 1:10 says, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.”
Association determines our reach in life. That is why maintaining the right influence is one of the most important things to do in life. Therefore, it is essential to reject any wrong association and embrace the right one to have a quality destiny. Any association that does not have God and His perfect will as its focus is evil. 1 Corinthians 5:11 says, “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” Many have become ungodly. They no longer feel guilty because they were associated with the wrong company. Some Christians cannot distinguish between spiritually conducive environments and locations detrimental to their Christian living. It is simply playing with the fire of lust if a Christian share an apartment with someone of the opposite sex due to accommodation issues. We face an unpleasant future if we are friends with drunkards, fornicators, adulterers, thieves, witches, or other demonic agents. It is not possible for a born-again Christian, filled with the Holy Ghost, to have a drunkard, smoker, or womanizer as their closest friend. It was the relationship between Samson and Delilah that cost the life and destiny of Samson. No matter how wise or careful we are, any continued association with anyone living contrary to the Word of God will eventually spell doom for us. Amnon died prematurely by listening to the corrupted advice given to him by his cousin Jonadab(2 Samuel 13). Many have taken the suggestions of their families only to destroy their lives. Don’t be blindsided by the family because it was the advice of a family member that killed Amnon. Only the mercy of God spared Jehoshaphat from dying the idolatrous king Ahab’s death(1 Kings 22). The unfortunate thing about an ungodly and rebellious alliance is that it always ends in death, frustration, and shame.
Beloved, whatever you permit around you will end up influencing you. Your character can change because of the company you keep. Avoid anyone who peddles all manner of bad news and only sees the negative side of everything. A thousand good friends are not too many, but one bad friend is too many. Friendship is a choice. Love liberally but relate wisely. Love everyone but associate with people that will positively influence your life and destiny. Connect with the kind of people who will push out your potential, bring out your best, enable you to accomplish your goals, and help your relationship with God. Disconnect from anyone(no exceptions) who will hinder you from fulfilling your destiny. I will end with Jesus’ warning beware of your association (Matthew 10:17). May the Lord grant you the grace never to align yourself with rebels in the Name of Jesus.
O Lord, help me to have the right company in my life. I receive the grace to reject every wrong association in Jesus’ Name.