HINDRANCES TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH (2)
There is a subtle hindrance to spiritual growth that many do not consider: UNGODLY ASSOCIATION.
Our associations can hinder or help us grow. The Bible firmly states, " Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character." (1 Cor. 15:33)
Those you roll with can either hinder or stagnate your growth, or they can encourage you to grow. Imagine being in a company of God-loving, on-fire, deeply-desirous-of-the-glory-of-God people, we both know that your desire for the matters that matter to God will increase.
Let's take an example from the Bible. I don't know who comes to your mind when you think of godly and ungodly association, but we'll quickly consider the man named Lot.
Think about this: Lot had a godly uncle, a mentor with whom he could have benefited greatly from (Gen. 12:4). He had Abraham, a man who could hear God's voice, a man who yielded to God in obedience, a man who had a "friend"ship with God, a man God could not hide His plans from, a man of great faith and trust in God. What else could anyone have desired? Such a godly mentor, counselor, discipler, uncle, in fact, a father to Him.
But
He chose to separate himself because of the good land his physical eyes could see (Gen. 13:11). Of course, in God's sovereignty, things had to turn out like that, but I can imagine myself telling Abraham, "Sir, i'm very sorry. I don't know how this disagreements between our servants can be resolved, but I will rather be with you than let anything separate us."
My point is, let's value our godly relationships and associations much more than physical comfort and pleasures. And we can only do this if our eyes are fixed on God and our love for Him is utmost. Value, exalt, prefer whatever draws you closer to God much more than anything.
Lot was more concerned about his physical prosperity even though his spirituality was being troubled. The Bible says, "...For that righteous man (Lot) dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds... " (2 Pet. 2:8)
Even on knowing that he dwelt among ungodly men, he did not change his mind about his choice. Thanks be to God who delivered him from the doom that came upon the land, Sodom and Gomorrah. Unfortunately, at the end, he lost all the good things, the material possessions he had so dearly held unto.
Dissociating from godly associations is usually as a result of one's love for the world, no matter how subtle it may seem.
Apostle Paul had a friend like that too. His name was Demas. In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul writes, "For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica. "
Think about it. Have you dissociated from any godly relationship because of physical pleasures and comfort? Maybe you think that your new level of understanding is higher, but it could be a farce. Lot did not lose all in a day, but he lost it in the end.
Who are your closest friends?
Why did you choose your present workplace over the one that was more spiritually conducive?
You need to check yourself.
This does not mean we should despise unbelievers, but remember that when Jesus related with them, it was for the main purpose of reconciling them unto God, preaching the gospel of the kingdom to them in love via words and actions.
Let your relationship with ungodly people be out of love and not lust. Love that preaches the ministry of reconciliation. Make friends with them. Know them. Do not be like them. In spite of His relations with them, Jesus spent more quality time with His disciples and genuine followers, men who had turned to the Lord.
The Lord bless you.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Flee also youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Tim. 2:22
Our associations can hinder or help us grow. The Bible firmly states, " Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character." (1 Cor. 15:33)
Those you roll with can either hinder or stagnate your growth, or they can encourage you to grow. Imagine being in a company of God-loving, on-fire, deeply-desirous-of-the-glory-of-God people, we both know that your desire for the matters that matter to God will increase.
Let's take an example from the Bible. I don't know who comes to your mind when you think of godly and ungodly association, but we'll quickly consider the man named Lot.
Think about this: Lot had a godly uncle, a mentor with whom he could have benefited greatly from (Gen. 12:4). He had Abraham, a man who could hear God's voice, a man who yielded to God in obedience, a man who had a "friend"ship with God, a man God could not hide His plans from, a man of great faith and trust in God. What else could anyone have desired? Such a godly mentor, counselor, discipler, uncle, in fact, a father to Him.
But
He chose to separate himself because of the good land his physical eyes could see (Gen. 13:11). Of course, in God's sovereignty, things had to turn out like that, but I can imagine myself telling Abraham, "Sir, i'm very sorry. I don't know how this disagreements between our servants can be resolved, but I will rather be with you than let anything separate us."
My point is, let's value our godly relationships and associations much more than physical comfort and pleasures. And we can only do this if our eyes are fixed on God and our love for Him is utmost. Value, exalt, prefer whatever draws you closer to God much more than anything.
Lot was more concerned about his physical prosperity even though his spirituality was being troubled. The Bible says, "...For that righteous man (Lot) dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds... " (2 Pet. 2:8)
Even on knowing that he dwelt among ungodly men, he did not change his mind about his choice. Thanks be to God who delivered him from the doom that came upon the land, Sodom and Gomorrah. Unfortunately, at the end, he lost all the good things, the material possessions he had so dearly held unto.
Dissociating from godly associations is usually as a result of one's love for the world, no matter how subtle it may seem.
Apostle Paul had a friend like that too. His name was Demas. In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul writes, "For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica. "
Think about it. Have you dissociated from any godly relationship because of physical pleasures and comfort? Maybe you think that your new level of understanding is higher, but it could be a farce. Lot did not lose all in a day, but he lost it in the end.
Who are your closest friends?
Why did you choose your present workplace over the one that was more spiritually conducive?
You need to check yourself.
This does not mean we should despise unbelievers, but remember that when Jesus related with them, it was for the main purpose of reconciling them unto God, preaching the gospel of the kingdom to them in love via words and actions.
Let your relationship with ungodly people be out of love and not lust. Love that preaches the ministry of reconciliation. Make friends with them. Know them. Do not be like them. In spite of His relations with them, Jesus spent more quality time with His disciples and genuine followers, men who had turned to the Lord.
The Lord bless you.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Flee also youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Tim. 2:22
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