The Company We Keep
True genuine faith is reflected by the company we choose to keep. The character of the ones we consider to be our closest personal associations is the character that is soon to be our own. Those we fellowship with have the character we have personally endorsed. You will always assume full responsibility for the actions of those you surround yourself with. You are who you hang with. You are headed for where they are; your future will look just like their present.
With that being said, it is not unreasonable to say that God’s blessings are won and lost by those we choose to influence our lives. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.” Iron is a powerful material. It can be fashioned into a sword so sharp that it can penetrate or slice most materials it comes in contact with. But it will not reach that level by constantly running across lesser materials. It takes contact with strength to produce strength. Our lives are no different. We too can be fashioned into powerful implements in the hands of God, but it will not become a reality until we are careful about whom we are close to. If the ones around you are not “iron” then neither will you be.
When iron contacts iron it is not a comfortable thing. Sparks fly, rough edges are made smooth, and there is a lot of noise. We cannot run from those that hold us accountable. Sometimes a person’s high spiritual character may intimidate you and put your life on trial. Many times people shy away from that and retreat to the same old comfort zone and hide with the same old “tin cans” they’re used to. You had better find people of strong Biblical character and surround your life with them regardless of how much you like or dislike their personality. Too many times people surround themselves with personality when they should have sought out character. You are gambling away your ability to be sharp.
Being offended at people who are walking close to God is not going to sharpen you. Offense will only make you dull. A person who desires correction at the hands of a godly man or woman is a person who will walk in the power of God. Criticizing and making fun of someone with a desire to please God will only hinder you from “cutting” through that next trial. If you do not have someone in your life more spiritual than you then you are at risk.
When you get sharpened with the things of godly character, that’s when you’re going to step into the plan of God for your life. That’s when you’re going to experience the hand of God on your children, finances, and marriage. When you are sharp is when you’re going to recognize the leading of God and have the strength to live apart from the same old depressing life. Make an honest appraisal of your closest associations. Do you want their present to be your future?
Pastor Tim
Family Church Jamestown is a non-denominational church located in Chautauqua County in Jamestown between Lakewood and Busti NY. The senior pastor of Family Church is Pastor Tim Stahlman a native to the Jamestown, NY area.
