Know The Father

Don't envy evil people or desire their company.  For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble.

- Proverbs 24:1-2 -

We have all had this conversation one time or another.  I know I have been involved, on many occasions, with my GFF's, talking about who we should hang out with and what God would want from us in certain situations.  It isn't an easy answer.  Throughout the bible Jesus is listed as spending much time with sinners and evil people.  He says if we can't love those who don't love us then we aren't loving at all.  It is a topic I can't cover in one day nor do I want to cause conflict over such a touchy, obviously questionable, area.  I am just so drawn in by this scripture and want to share my thoughts on the matter.  

The message states it this way:

"Don't envy bad people; don't even want to be around them.  All they think about is causing a disturbance; all they talk about is making trouble."

It says don't want to do wrong.  Don't want a lifestyle of sin and don't even want to be around it.  If we apply this to our own lives what might it look like?  Do we have to stop hanging out with that group of friends who don't believe in Jesus?  What about that friend who lives a life of sin, must we say goodbye?  If we want to join in that same opinion then we are wrong to hang out with them.  If we are vulnerable and easily swayed to compromise our faith and God's commands then we should not join with other's who contradict what God's Word says.  My friends, it all comes down to knowing God and gaining wisdom through our relationship with Him.  If we know Him well enough, we will hear him tell us what is right and wrong.  He will protect us when in danger or doubt, but only if we are close to Him, listening for Him and letting Him rule our lives. 

My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment.  Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul.  They are like jewels on a necklace.

- Proverbs 3:21-28 - 

Hanging around people who are a bad influence is a slippery slope.  For some, this scripture may mean saying good bye to a certain relationship.  For others, God may say stay near them and encourage them.  We just have to know God well enough to discern when to stay and when to pack up and go.  I know for a fact, God does not want you staying in a relationship that is physically harmful to you or your children.  He would never ask you to keep hanging out with someone who is regularly committing crimes or breaking the law.  And He certainly does not want you enabling the bad behavior of others.  But there are so many situations and instances where we might question.......does God want me to be friends with someone who drinks and swears like a sailor?.......how about that friend who stopped going to church?..........or the coworker who is gay, can I hang out with her on the weekends?  I don't know your specific question and I can't know the answer either.  I don't know your strength to say no to certain things and I don't know your vulnerabilities or your deep desires.  Only God knows you like you know you, and that is Who you should be seeking when difficulties like this arise.  

Bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33).  If you aren't strong enough to not be influenced by "bad company" then common sense tells you to stop hanging around them.  If you were addicted to drugs in the past and your "company" uses drugs, common sense says find new friends.  If you are curious about a same sex relationship then don't hang around others who will encourage that lifestyle.  If you are a sad or angry person don't stay with company that speaks negativity and will only drag you down.  Jesus was the sinless, spotless Lamb.  He was strong enough to say no to temptations and His presence changed peoples lives.  He could be with sinners and not be sucked in, but He was human just like us.  The difference is He was walking ever so closely to The Father.  

Friends, we must make choices according to The Word and our choices must line up with God's will for us.  When we know God's will then it is easier for us to follow.  Hang on to the wisdom He provides, be honest with yourself, don't ignore the warning signs and let God move you!  Don't even want to hang around others who put you in danger of compromising your faith.  Hang around those whom you can safely love and gently restore without being pulled into their lifestyle.  No, we don't have to always say goodbye but we must be very careful and know our limitations and our vulnerabilities.  If we are honest with ourselves, we are honest with God, and He  can and will protect us.  

Who or what activities do you question today?  Is God telling you to stay or go?  Get in His Word and find out!!