Who you are with is who you are next: choose your companions wisely

Who you are with is who you are next. You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. These are powerful truths.

As Christians, we are called to grow in the likeness of Jesus. This transformation doesn't happen in a vacuum. The people we allow into our inner circle, the voices we listen to, and the behaviors we normalize, taken together, shape us.

The Bible, God's inspired Word, speaks about the importance of our associations. It's a timeless spiritual principle.

The Wisdom of Proverbs: Choose Your Companions Wisely

The book of Proverbs, full of practical wisdom for daily living, warns against associating with the foolish and encourages fellowship with the wise.

Proverbs 13:20 (NIV): "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." 

This verse couldn't be clearer. If we want wisdom, we should seek out those who walk in it. If we often surround ourselves with those who make poor choices, we are highly likely to make poor choices as well.

Proverbs 22:24-25 (NIV): "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared." 

This is a stark warning against allowing negative influences to take root in our lives. We are prone to adopt the habits, attitudes, and even the emotional patterns of those we spend the most time with.

Traits Can Be Contagious

Positive traits, such as encouragement, faith, and generosity, can be contagious. But so can negativity, cynicism, and destructive habits.

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV): "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" 

This New Testament verse echoes the wisdom of the Old Testament. "Bad company" here isn't just about outright wickedness, but about any influence that pulls us away from godliness. It can be subtle, eroding our convictions little by little, until we find ourselves compromising in ways we never thought we would.

Why Does Our Company Matter So Much?

Influence on Our Thoughts and Conversations

The people around us can shape what we think and about. If our friends are constantly gossiping, complaining, or indulging in worldly pursuits, it becomes difficult to keep our minds focused on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable" (Philippians 4:8).

Impact on Our Habits and Actions

We are creatures of habit, and our habits are often reinforced by our environment. If our closest companions are committed to spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and serving others, we are more likely to adopt those same beneficial habits. The opposite is also true.

Accountability and Encouragement 

 

God designed us for community. We need others to encourage, challenge, and hold us accountable in our walk with Him. When we surround ourselves with fellow believers who are pursuing Christ, we find a powerful source of support and spiritual growth.

So, What Does This Mean for Us?

This means that we must be intentional and discerning.

Evaluate Your Inner Circle 

 

Take an honest look at the five or so people you spend the most time with. Do they draw you closer to Christ or pull you away? Do they inspire you to holiness or tempt you towards compromise?

Seek Godly Mentors and Friends

Actively pursue relationships with believers who are mature in their faith, who can speak wisdom into your life, and who will spur you on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Be a Godly Influence 

 

While we are called to protect ourselves from corrupting influences, we are also called to be salt and light in the world. As we grow in Christ, we can prayerfully seek to be a positive, godly influence on those around us, sharing the hope and love of Jesus, through our actions and words.

Prioritize Time in God's Word and Prayer

Ultimately, our most important companion is God Himself. The more time we spend in His Word and prayer, the more we are transformed by His Spirit, equipping us to manage all our relationships with wisdom and discernment.

Our company shapes our character. Let us be diligent and discerning in choosing our companions, understanding that who we are with profoundly impacts who we are becoming in our journey of faith.

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Father God,

Thank you for this message. Give me wisdom in choosing those I associate with, so that I can grow into the person you want me to be. May I be a good influence in the lives of others, so that you may be glorified by my words and deeds. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Invitation

If you'd like to join an online Bible study, send me a message in the comment box. God bless you.

- Atty. Chato Olivas

This post was curated and edited by Chato Olivas, assisted by Gemini AI.