The company we keep

As I was studying through the book of Esther I was impressed by the lesson that was offered on friendship. As the King’s second in command, Haman was a close confident to King Ahaduerus. The King trusted Haman and was influenced by him. In fact because of his close relationship with Haman the King inadvertently allowed an evil decree to be passed that nearly annihilated a nationality of people. It wasn’t until after Haman’s true intentions were revealed via Esther that the King understood the character of his close counsel.

Many verses exist in the bible that cautions us in our relationships. Such attention should be paid to this topic because we are swayed by those with whom we associate. The Lord says two are better than one (Ecc. 4:9-12). Our relationships should spur us on in our race of life and grow us so that we mature spiritually in our Christian walk. In Proverbs (12:26) we are admonished that “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

He who walks with wise people will become wise himself, but that he who keeps company with fools will he himself be destroyed.
Proverbs 13:20

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.
2 Corinthians 6:14)

Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits. Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God.
1 Corinthians 15:33

Have you ever caught yourself adopting some of your friends’ sayings, mannerisms, fashions or even habits? Would you deny that you can be influenced irregardless as to how strong you think you are? It’s so so so important that we prayerfully handle our relationships. The issue here is not whether or not we should befriend non believers. I believe that we should so that we can draw them to Christ. The issue here is to whom we should yoke ourselves.

“Lord help us in our relationships to have discernment. Help us to be wise in choosing our close counsel. I pray that we have hearts that long after you and that it’s reflected in the close friends that we choose. Help us have the courage to modify the relationships that are harmful to our spiritual walk and help us also to be the type of friends that other Christian can be in relationship with. Help us in our struggle against the tendency to please man and thus be influenced by him and instead let us fear you and act in ways that please you.”

Written by Stephanie