This is such an important topic that I'm surprised more Bible teachers don't talk about it. So let's dive in!
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'"
Corinthians 15:33
“Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Proverbs 13:20
Knowing this as a principle is one thing, but ☝️ people are two-faced, hypocritical and just plain old deceptive these days and many are actively trying to trap and use you. 😈
So how do we figure out who is who? 🤔
Let's get practical.
We must ask God for the wisdom to identify the different types of people because He wants us to be able to tell the difference so we are protected from them and from the harm they will cause us.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:5
Another good way is to watch them endure hardships and affliction and the outcomes of those things. This will demonstrate their inner character and relationship to Jesus. But you must keep something in mind. ☝️ Some people are enduring bad times because they are ACTING FOR the Lord and others are enduring God's punishment as a JUDGEMENT FOR willful disobedience to His will.
The difference will become evident as you watch HOW THEY BEHAVE and WHAT THEY SAY and
if collateral damage happens to those around them, which will be a sign of them facing judgment for their evil actions.
🔴 Hardship is not always sent by God, but by Satan because we're giving him a hard time as servants of Jesus. But God will use these seasons of hardship to improve us and grow us up into better people.
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.”
Hebrews 12:7-8
True followers of Jesus will still be seeking Jesus in extended prayer time, focused not solely on themselves and will have a core of solidness and peace and they won't lose their sense of humor.
🔴 Some hardship is sent by God as Judgement for continuing, willful wrong doing, especially to those who are well aware of the Truth and what God expects of them and they ignore Him and do evil anyway. This hardship will be intense, thorough and purposeful.
“ If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
Hebrews 10:26-27
🌹🌾🌹🌾
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. FOR THE MOUTH SPEAKS WHAT THE HEART IS FULL OF”
(Emphasis mine)
Luke 6:43-45
I've given you negative examples now let me give you a (VERY) positive example so you know what type of companions you are searching for.
“We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,
so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way:
in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;
in beatings, imprisonments and riots;
in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;
in purity,
understanding,
patience and
kindness;
in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
in truthful speech and
in the power of God;
with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report;
genuine, yet regarded as impostors;
known, yet regarded as unknown;
dying, and yet we live on;
beaten, and yet not killed;
sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;
poor, yet making many rich;
having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and
opened wide our hearts to you.
We are not withholding our affection from you,
but you are withholding yours from us.
As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—
open wide your hearts also.”
2 Corinthians 6:3-13
🍁🌿🍁🌿
Don't be discouraged because these people DO exist and, although they may not be plentiful in number, they will bring value and blessings to your life beyond what you can imagine. They are nearby because Jesus desires for you to find each other and,
while you're PRAYING and WAITING for their arrival,
you can be building yourself into someone worthy of them.
The Truth with Love,
Always Laura-Lee 😌
