Topic: Avoid Bad Associations [16th July, 2018 Daily Devotional]
Text: 2 Chronicles 22:1-12 (KJV)
Key Verse: “Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction” (2 Chronicles 22:4).
MESSAGE:
Association with a bad company is dangerous to one’s spiritual life. It gradually leads him back into sin. It starts with befriending people who are not necessarily deep in outward sin, but simply without God. Next, he is found in the gathering of sinners. Before long, he stops walking closely with God and loiters with those who commit outward sins. Finally, he finds himself taking on their ways, mocking the righteous and holy, and hating the teaching of the Bible.
This was what happened to Ahaziah, who associated himself with the house of Ahab and had them as his counsellors. He joined affinity with the son of Ahab, Joram, to fight against Jehu, whom the Lord had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab. He met his waterloo as he died prematurely and was buried as a commoner.
Our association is key to our success in life and ministry. A Christian must carefully choose his companions. He lives in the world of sin and does business with its inhabitants. Yet, he must realise the danger of close association with the mixed multitude. Ungodly association saps the foundations of his spiritual strength and cool his fervency of spirit. As good people desire to make others good like themselves, bad people desire to make their companions as bad as themselves.
Thus, those who fear and love God should come out from among the ungodly. They must separate from unnecessary associations, for God has promised blessings both in time and eternity to all who renounce the company of ungodly men.
Thought For The Day: Ungodly association saps the foundations of spiritual strength.
Bible Reading In One Year: Isaiah 13-17
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.