Who we surround ourselves with matters. As much as we humans like to believe that we “know ourselves” or are “secure in what we think, feel, and believe,” we are likely unaware of how much influence those we surround ourselves with actually impact us.
We see this easily in children and teenagers, right? We know, and have known for years, that there is a transition that occurs developmentally where we stop looking to our parents for wisdom and approval, and switch to peers. The problem is, if we don’t choose to surround ourselves with solid peers – we tend to pick up their habits and even solid family foundations can crack.
Why do we believe we as adults outgrow this? What makes us so easily believe that we have somehow figured this out? Certainly, I believe that some have. There are those who are very intentional about the relationships they cultivate. And then again, there are others who seem less concerned or maybe it’s that they have a false sense of inner-strength that seem to choose relationships while not really exercising great wisdom.
Before I get too much in my head, I would ask you these questions while at the same time asking myself: Are my closest relationships ones that help me align my heart with God? Do they encourage my faith walk? Are my closest relationships ones in which I can be transparent? Do my friends hold me accountable for my actions that are not in obedience to God?
Who we surround ourselves with matters. We pick up the habits of those that we spend time with an invest in.
I had a conversation not all that long ago with my niece and my sister-in-law. They were joking around with me about some of the silly things that I say. In no way were they being mean, they were just being factual. I do say some silly things. They are phrases that I use – somewhat regularly – that are not common place. A few I have heard from others and thought they were clever – like saying “crud apples” when something goes wrong. (I got that one from a sixth grade student of mine!) Other’s I sort of stumbled across and it stuck – like “bummer cats.” (As I said, they are silly things to say.) My point is, those who are around me, those who have spent time with me sometimes start picking up those speech habits. Those phrases begin to be used by them whether I am around or not. Why? We pick up the habits of those that we spend time with and invest in. That’s why it matters when we choose who we surround ourselves with.
This carries far past our speech patterns and word choices. Those we invest in, we often hold respect and love for, right? It is far to easy for us to begin to be shaped by their thinking and even potentially their logic. It is far to easy for mankind to fall into the roll of sheep – and blindly – or at least – somewhat naively follow. Friend, that can be a slippery slope for us.
I wanted to share a few examples of this from my time in the Word this morning. First, I think of Elisha. Elijah, the great prophet of God was the one that Elisha surrounded himself with. He left his home. He left his family. He accepted the invitation to be discipled by a man following God. The result? Elisha became a great prophet of God.
Similarly, the book of 2 Kings tells of a young boy who becomes the King of Judah at the age of 7. Here’s what chapter 12:2 says, “All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight because Jehoida the priest instructed him.” Joash was close to one who was walking with the LORD, and as a result, Joash also walked with the LORD.
There is a direct correlation. Who we spend time with matters. Who we listen to matters.
If you doubt this, I would encourage you to look throughout the Bible – which is not only the Word of God, but also a great historical document. This is the pattern that exists time and time again. Those who did what was pleasing in the sight of the LORD not only invested in knowing God’s decrees, studying and obeying them, but they also surrounded themselves strategically with others who believed similarly. Evil kings raised up evil kingdoms. Evil parents raised up evil kids. Idol worshiping people were surrounded by like-minded idol worshiping people. Yet the same is true for those who were godly.
What are you surrounding yourself with? Men and women of godly character? Who or what are you investing in? Who do you want to be?
Please understand, I am not saying that Christ’s example of loving on people and evangelism isn’t important. I am not saying that. I am however suggesting that those we need to surround ourselves with those who are solid in their walk with the LORD, and invest regularly in our own walk with Him, so that we are not blind sheep.
I don’t know about you, but I want God to be my number one priority. I want my life to bring honor and glory to him. I believe he created me for a plan and purpose, and I want to live this life in that plan with purpose. I cannot achieve that when I make other people or other influences of higher importance or a greater investment than God.
Relationships that do not lead you toward God, but lead away from him are not worth investing in. Entertainment that does not lead you toward God, but leads you away from him is not worth investing in. Anything that does not lead you toward God, but leads you away from him is not only not worth investing in – you and I should avoid.
A right relationship with a holy God is worth it.
Blessings.