Choose your associations wisely

The choice of your associations will determine your destinations. The coronavirus has made this point drastically clear. Viruses, illnesses, attitudes, and wisdom can all be taught and caught. Even someone with great character and self-esteem can be led astray by bad associations. The Bible warns us, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)

One principle I can talk about for hours is the importance of choosing the right business partners, spouses, teachers, coaches, and friends. I believe in the power of associations. John Maxwell said, “Show me your friends and the books you read, and I’ll show you your destination in five years.” Wow!

Can you see the importance of choosing the right people for your life? Have you ever chosen the wrong friendships or business partners? Have you ever caught a virus or the flu from a friend? I have to admit I’ve made many mistakes in this category, but I’ve also made a few great choices. How about you? Whether you’ve been through a painful divorce or a bad partnership, it all really hurts. Picking the wrong employees, employer, school, or sports team can cause devastation.

Have you been hurt in relationships? Was some of the relational pain your fault? Did you fail to make the right choice? King David once taught Solomon a great lesson: “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.” (Psalms 1:1, NIV)

I want to be blessed, and I’m sure you do, too. So let’s take a moment and ask God to help us choose our associations with great discernment. Ask God to help you discern the fruit of a person before you enter into a covenant, to bring the right people into your life, and to help you choose people of great character. Many people have smooth words, but actions speak much louder than words. “His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.” (Psalms 55:21, NIV)

Choose wisely because you are a miracle.

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet

P.S. The texts of this reading come from the daily email A Miracle Every Day. If you want to receive an email every day, I invite you to subscribe to A Miracle Every Day. By subscribing, you will receive an E-book!