Bunmi Banjo

I came across this quote online one day: “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future“
It got me thinking…
1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)
Be not deceived: Evil communication corrupts good manners.
There are not many instances, in fact, there may just this once in the bible where evil was portrayed to overcome good.
One of the major areas God wants us to exercise discretion is in choosing our friends or the company we keep. These are the people in our inner circle. We are in partnership with them and they have the power and permission to influence us.

Proverbs 2:11-13
Discretion will guard you, Understanding will watch over you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things; from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness…
Have you checked your company lately? Are your associations adding value to your life or subtracting from it?
Delilah was bad company for Samson. She deceived him and cut short his destiny.

Jonathan was a good friend to David and they built a wholesome relationship that propelled David to his destiny.

Who are your friends? What influence do they have on you…good or evil?
Hanging out with bad company and thinking you will not be influenced by them is really self deception!
It’s only a matter of time before their behavior and character rubs off on you.
Stop being deceived: “Wicked friends lead to evil ends.” (1 Cor 15:33 ISV)
A few examples of unwholesome relationships which we are warned against in the bible are:

Men and Women of anger:
Proverbs 22:24-25
Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.

Fools:
Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with the wise will become wise but the companion of fools will suffer harm
– A fool is a person who acts unwisely or imprudently…Are you in relationship with such?

Sinners and Mockers:
Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.
The bible refers to this as being “unequally yoked with unbelievers…” (2 Cor 6:14). it leads to conformation with the world.

Troublemakers and Villains:
Proverbs 6:12
A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth
Avoid the company of troublemakers and those who have nothing good to say!
Proverbs 8:13 – To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech

Sexually immoral, drunkards and Swindlers:
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people…any so called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler or a drunkard, or a swindler…”
So don’t be guilty by association!
Making friends is a big deal. Our relationships do matter in our transformation hence we can’t afford to overlook them.
Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to exercise discretion today as you make friends and the grace to part ways with some unwholesome relationships in your life. Your choice today will impact your destiny.

I am happy to journey with you!