The Company You Keep

The people you choose to have in your life can speak to your character. If you want to be a more loving person, surround yourself with loving friends.

The world will always take you back. You aren't missing out on anything by surrounding yourself with Godly people. The old ways and people you are leaving behind will wait to say" I told you so" if you decide they can fill you up more than Christ and a group of Christ followers can. (But that won't happen.) If the people in your life are seeking first the approval of Christ, they will be healthy relationships to be a part of.

"Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble." -Proverbs 13:20

The people who challenge you, hold you accountable, and speak scripture over your life are the people you need to hold on to.

"Bad company corrupts good character" -1 Corinthians 15:33

There is nothing wrong with trying to minister to someone from a different group than what you would normally associate yourself with. However, we need to make sure we are being mindful and are mature enough in our faith to do so. Places you've been and experiences you've lived through are what make your testimony unique. For instance, I have no clue what goes through the mind of someone seeking sobriety because I've never been there. Someone who has been in that situation and made it out the other side, having found their identity with Christ is much more equipped to speak to someone struggling in that area. Own your past, be vulnerable, because that's where change happens.

If you invite good company in, and are good company, you'll have good company in return.

"A friend loves at all times."- Proverbs 17:17

Let us surround ourselves with people who will love unconditionally. People who we pray for and will pray for us. People who are there to weep when we weep and rejoice when we rejoice. (Romans 12:15)

Let us have an open heart and an open mind to whoever comes into our lives. Let us not be jealous of one another (Proverbs 14:30). Let us speak truth and light and love over all those in our lives. Let us love because He first loved us. Let's be good company so we attract good company. If we are actively seeking the will of God and finding people who are spiritually strong, we will always have a friend.

You don't know the change you can have in someone's life. A smile, a scripture, a prayer, an act of random kindness can change someone's life and bring them to Jesus. I read a book once that said avoiding the five seconds of awkward could lead to a lifetime of regret. If we listen to what God is saying in the moment, we could really bless others.

Asking to pray with someone may be awkward for the five seconds it takes to ask them but Satan is never going to tell you to pray for someone, so we know that is of God. We know Satan is never going to say "hey you should call that person you've been thinking of today and check in." Give the hug, send the text, say I love you, ask what made someone smile today. All those things make you good company, and sometimes we don't appreciate the good company enough until they aren't around anymore.

One of the greatest treasures we have been given in this life is the gift of each other. Share your heart with someone today. Keep the company that fills you up, not the ones who leave you feeling empty.