“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
— Psalm 1:1 (KJV)
One of the most crucial aspects of spiritual growth, after prayer and feeding on the Word, is the type of association we keep. The kind of people we surround ourselves with has a great influence on how we turn out spiritually. Scripture makes it clear that “evil communication corrupts good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
As believers, we must be intentional about the voices and influences that shape us. If we walk with the wise, we will become wise. If we fellowship with the godly, our hearts will be drawn closer to God. But if we associate with those who have no regard for spiritual things, our desires will gradually drift toward the world and its pleasures.
When a believer keeps company with the wrong friends, those relationships will stir up the lust for worldly success, fame, and pleasure. God’s will is that we should fellowship with people who uphold godly values and are committed to spiritual growth. It is only wise to plant a tree in the right environment, and the Bible calls us “trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3).
Staying in the wrong company even after receiving Christ is like trying to grow a tree among thorns. Such a tree may sprout, but it will soon be choked. In the same way, a believer who keeps the wrong influences will eventually be drawn back into a worldly lifestyle. Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the sower when He said, “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature” (Luke 8:14 NIV).
When we look at the early Church in the book of Acts, we see that they were intentional about fellowship. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42 NIV). They understood that their strength was in their unity and that spiritual growth thrives in the right company.
You must be equally intentional about the company you keep. The people you spend time with and take counsel from will ultimately determine the direction of your life.
Reflection:
Who are the people influencing your walk with God? Are they drawing you closer to Christ or pulling you away from Him?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for surrounding me with people who strengthen my faith. Help me to discern the right relationships and stay connected to those who inspire spiritual growth. Uproot every ungodly influence from my life, and plant me firmly among those who seek Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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