Topic: WATCH OUT FOR THE RIGHT COMPANY (2) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo Living Faith Church [ Winners Chapel] 11 February 2022
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WATCH OUT FOR THE RIGHT COMPANY (2)
Peace and blessings in Jesus name! In the first edition, I examined how the company you keep affect your life. This week, I will examine ‘Two Avenues of Keeping Right Company’.
Wise Company is a conducive atmosphere for mental development. The Bible says, He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Proverbs 13:20). Having wise friends, walking with wise people and connecting with wise associates enhance your mental development. The good thing is that they do not have to be there physically; you can make friends through materials like books and tapes. You can make the authors and preachers your friends in absentia—people you relate within the school of knowledge.
Someone said, ‘You will remain the same way you are today in five years, except for two things: the books you read and the people with whom you walk’. You can interact with people through the books you read as though they were there physically. Every book you read is the author’s thoughts in print. So, when you read any material, you are keeping company with the author and sharing his or her thoughts, and in no time, you will start thinking the same way. So, just as your physical friends are important, the materials you read are equally important.
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One way to determine who to associate with is to find out whether what the person is saying is profiting him or her or not. The Bible says, But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding (Job 32:8). Your openness to divine inspiration is what determines how intelligent you become. The Amplified Version of that scripture says, But there is [a vital force] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives men understanding. Inspiration has no match in the school of intelligence. However, it requires the practice of quietness, separation and keeping wise company. These three factors will enhance your speedy development in the school of mental excellence.
Keep Company with Praising People
Another avenue is by keeping company with praising people. The Bible says, 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. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper (Psalm 1:1-3). If you keep company with those who keep looking backwards and always talking about a brighter yesterday, you too will join them in talking and thinking the same way. Everyone’s destiny is influenced by the company he or she keeps. You cannot walk with those who do not give thanks and praise God or mockers and be full of praise. God said, Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33).
The praise manner is corruptible; all you need do is to walk with somebody who is never grateful. This is because it is easier for someone who is on the floor to pull down the person at the top. If you do not choose the company you keep, you may lose your destiny. Know that it is not safe for you to be wherever your testimony is not received. God will not ask anyone to stand with you on the day of judgment; we shall all appear before Him one by one. So, why must you sell off your birthright by keeping the wrong company? It is better to be alone than to be unequally yoked with someone who does not agree with you. The Bible says, Iron sharpeneth iron… (Proverbs 27:17). You should not keep company with anyone who is not sharpening you; so, look out for a relationship that sharpens your life.
Therefore, access to God’s Word gives an understanding of what to look out for in a good relationship or company. However, to gain access to the Word, you need a relationship with God by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. If you are not born again, please say this prayer of faith with me: Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I believe You died and rose again for my sake. Forgive me of my sins, take over my life, make me Your child and let Your peace reign over my life. Thank You for saving me. Now I know I am born again.
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