1 Corinthians 5:11 (KJV)
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.
The importance of quality association with destiny cannot be overemphasized. Association produces influence, positive or negative which affects our outcome in life. Who we associate with is an excellent determinant of whether God will be silent over our circumstances or if He will act on our behalf. It is an undeniable truth that maintaining a relationship with individuals who do not adhere to the Word of God can have disastrous consequences, regardless of how cautious or prudent we may be. 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. If we must be successful in our life journey, we must associate with the right people who can directly or indirectly assist in fulfilling our lives and destinies. Irrespective of a person’s background or lifestyle, the company we keep and the kind of information we consume determine the predominant thoughts that rule our hearts, and these go a long way to establishing who we are and the type of future that awaits us.
It is true that God has commanded or instructed us to love our neighbor as ourselves. However, not everyone can be our friend because our association determines our reach in life. That is why maintaining the right influence is one of the most important things to do in life. Proverbs 1:10 says, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” The greatest undoing of many is fellowshipping or mingling with the wrong people. If drunkards, fornicators, adulterers, thieves, witches, or other demonic agents are our closest friends, then we are face to face with an unpleasant future. It is not possible for us to be born-again Christians, filled with the Holy Ghost, and our closest friends are sinners. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” When Lot separated from Abraham, God remembered His Promise to him (Genesis 13). As long as Achan was in the company of the Israelites, they lost to little Ai (Joshua 7). By associating with Delilah, Samson lost his anointing, life, and the eternal purpose of God for his life and destiny. Amnon died prematurely by listening to the corrupted advice given to him by his cousin Jonadab(2 Samuel 13). Do not be blinded by family because it was the advice of a family member that killed Amnon. Know that our enemies are members of our own families.
Beloved, don’t be deceived, no matter how wise or careful you are, continued association with anyone living contrary to the Word of God will eventually spell doom for you. Whatever you permit around you will end up influencing you. Avoid people who peddle rumors and bad news and have information about everyone but themselves. Avoid every gossip because they will implicate you in things you never said to them. A thousand good friends are not too many, but one bad friend is too many. Friendship is a choice, so choose your friends wisely and keep your associations pure—partner with genuine children of God. Love liberally but relate wisely. Love everyone, but relate with people who will positively influence your life and destiny. Disconnect from anyone(no exceptions) who will hinder you from fulfilling your destiny. Anybody who is not going in your direction does not deserve your association. Connect with the kind of people who will push out your potential, bring out your best, assist you in fulfilling your life’s assignments, and help your relationship with God. Remember, God wants to help you, but your situation will remain the same until you disassociate yourself from the ungodly.
O Lord, disconnect me from any wrong association I entered into knowingly or unknowingly. I receive the grace to reject every wrong association in Jesus’ Name.