2 Corinthians 6:14-17 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”

One other way that you help your fire stay alive or dim it is by your association and the company you keep.

So King Solomon said, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.”

Who you call your friends and what you make your companions are either adding to your fire or dimming it. Sadly there is no middle ground.

A very retrospective question we should all ask ourselves, and answer it sincerely is,

WHO IS MY FRIEND?

I once read an inscription somewhere, which said, “You are the average of the 5 people you associate with the most.” You become like those whom you closely associate with – for the good or for the bad. You begin to talk and act like them. You pick common gestures and mannerisms from them without even knowing. Because of that close proximity or intimacy you have with them, they affect you without you even knowing. I tell people, ‘If you want to be a good smoker, just find a company of smokers and be with them for a little while. You will learn the trade soon.’

What company are you keeping? If someone is not making you stronger, they are making you weaker? Listen Dear Friend, PUT CAREFUL THOUGHT INTO WHO YOU CALL YOUR FRIEND – BE EXTREMELY INTENTIONAL ABOUT IT. Be blessed with wisdom to make the right associations in Jesus name. Say Amen!

                GRACEFUL MORNING