Some may have heard the phrase, “Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are”. “This proverb suggests that like minds stick together.” as noted as a possible meaning at the website, https://www.englishclub.com/ref/esl/Sayings/T/Tell_me_who_you_go_with_and_I_ll_tell_you_who_you_are_515.php. As I read and studied the morning I was reminded that we are like those that we surround ourselves with. And, it is difficult, if not impossible to be one thing and always surround ourselves with another.
“14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 (ESV)
As a Christian it is important to surround yourself and fellowship with other Christians. Oil and water do not mix, fire and ice either. Why would one think that righteous and unrighteous would work together any better?
I am not saying that I should shun those that are not Christians, on the contrary. I have been given the task of bringing the gospel to all of those I come in contact with, and who needs the gospel, the lost. It is important that I look for the opportunities to engage with the lost and bring the glory of God to them at all times. What I am saying is that for my own growth and Christian walk, I have to spend time in fellowship with other Christians and do the work of God in the areas where I will have an impact.
My fellow Christians are the ones that will bring me joy and peace and comfort and love. It is in their presence that I am able to let my guard down a bit and just enjoy their like mindedness and the love of God that we share and to a large degree understand. It is with them that I can be challenged with love to grow in a safe environment. It is in fellowship that we can put aside any worldly concerns and know that each of us is in love and commune with our God and Father.
Our relationships with the lost can be good, but there is nothing like having a relationship with those that are like us. When we fellowship with fellow Christians, we instantly have God in common and are able to love each other in kind without judgment. Are we perfect, not at all. But we are like one another and know where our future lies and can discuss life with those that are like us and know that what comes from them is the love that only God can provide. Our interactions with those not like us is one way love from us to them until the time we become like one another. The challenge is will we become like them or they like us, with God’s help, the latter is where I would prefer to exist.
What fellowship with others do you have? Are they and you alike, or drastically different? What if you did the work of God to reach those not like you and then retreated for comfort and love with those who are like you?
Trevor's Thoughts 