BE MINDFUL OF YOUR ASSOCIATION

ANCHOR SCRIPTURE:
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20.

MESSAGE:

In life, I have discovered that association defines destination. Company affects outcome. The quality of your company determines the quality of your destiny.

I heard a story some time ago. A young lady, who was a virgin, went to see a medical doctor, and the doctor told her, “How can you still be a virgin at this age of yours? If you don’t sleep with men, you will get sick.” That must be a demonic medical doctor circulating an evil theory. So, following the counsel of this medical doctor, the lady ignorantly and foolishly handed herself to a man who had a carnal knowledge of her. The most painful and regrettable thing was, at her first attempt at committing immorality, she got infected with HIV. The man did not only have immorality with her but also gave her HIV. What a tragedy!

Beloved, you must be very careful of the people whose instructions you follow. You must be very careful of the people who speak into your life.

Just like this lady, someone may attempt to smoke for the first time because of a counsel from a friend. Someone may decide to take alcohol for the first time because of a counsel from a friend. There are people in prison today because of the friends they associate with.

You must know that friendship is not by force; friendship is by choice. Do not let anyone force themselves on you, and do not force yourself on anyone. Love is a command, but relationship or friendship is a choice.

Even though we are commanded to love everyone, we are not commanded to make everyone our friend. So, love liberally but relate selectively. Love everyone but select your friends because your association determines your future.

NEVER FORGET THIS: The quality of your company determines the quality of your destiny.

KEY POINTS :

Love liberally, but relate selectively. Be mindful of the people you associate with.
Disengage from every relationship or friendship that has a negative influence on you.
Always get a second opinion if you receive a dubious counsel such as the type the lady received.

PRAYER: Lord, I receive the grace to disengage from any toxic friendship I am currently engaged in. I ask that You give me the right association for destiny fulfilment, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.