2 Corinthians 6:14(KJV)
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
The importance of quality association to destiny cannot be overemphasized. Association produces influence, positive or negative which affects our outcome in life. Who we associate with is a great determinant of whether God will be silent over our circumstances or if He will act on our behalf? It is when Lot was separated from Abraham that God remembered His Promise with him(Genesis 13). As long as Achan was in the company of the Israelites, they lost to little Ai(Joshua 7). If we must be successful in our life journey, we have to associate with the right people who can directly or indirectly assist in the fulfilment of our lives and destinies. Irrespective of a person’s background or lifestyle, the company we keep and the kind of information we consume determines the predominant thoughts that rule our hearts, and these go a long way to establish who we are and the kind of future that awaits us.
It is true 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. 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.” It was by associating with Delilah that 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, 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 that 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 to fulfil your life’s assignments, and help your relationship with God. I will end with Jesus’ warning in Matthew 10:17. Remember, God wants to help you but until you disassociate yourself from the ungodly your situation will remain the same.
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.