“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:6-17 ESV
Have you ever wondered what makes a battleship turn? Well, it is a little easier than you might actually realize. All you need is constant pressure on a small rudder to turn a large ship. Over a relatively short period of time, the rudder and the pressure it creates in the water wins, even though it turns a massive battleship.
I have found that the same is true in matters of faith and every other area in my life. Even though the pressures I feel on daily basis may be subtle ones, I tend to adopt the mentality of those I spend the most time with. So I had to ask myself the obvious question: Why? Well, it's because the people who have the closest access to my heart and mind help shape the way I think.
When I read the passage I referenced above the word that stuck out to me was "partners," and as usual it stopped me dead in my tracks. I have read this passage many times and have heard to preached almost as many times and it still has the same sobering affect. It was a while back when I realized that holiness is not only tied to my heart and my walk with God but also with those whom I chose to partner with, i.e. friends and associates, as well as what I chose to watch on TV and the type of music I listen to can be a partner. The author's that I chose to read can shape the thoughts that come into my mind and the way I perceive the world around me. Even what I eat and drink can be a partner in this walk because they can affect my ability or inability to serve God. All of this matters because I give them access to my heart and mind.
An unrighteous partnership will always cloud our ability to discern the truth from falsehood and error. That is why Paul tells us live "not as unwise but as wise." When we live in wisdom and truth we will tenaciously guard our hearts and minds against wrong influences because we are fighting to be found holy in the sight of God. All it takes is the right partnerships.
Have you ever wondered what makes a battleship turn? Well, it is a little easier than you might actually realize. All you need is constant pressure on a small rudder to turn a large ship. Over a relatively short period of time, the rudder and the pressure it creates in the water wins, even though it turns a massive battleship.
I have found that the same is true in matters of faith and every other area in my life. Even though the pressures I feel on daily basis may be subtle ones, I tend to adopt the mentality of those I spend the most time with. So I had to ask myself the obvious question: Why? Well, it's because the people who have the closest access to my heart and mind help shape the way I think.
When I read the passage I referenced above the word that stuck out to me was "partners," and as usual it stopped me dead in my tracks. I have read this passage many times and have heard to preached almost as many times and it still has the same sobering affect. It was a while back when I realized that holiness is not only tied to my heart and my walk with God but also with those whom I chose to partner with, i.e. friends and associates, as well as what I chose to watch on TV and the type of music I listen to can be a partner. The author's that I chose to read can shape the thoughts that come into my mind and the way I perceive the world around me. Even what I eat and drink can be a partner in this walk because they can affect my ability or inability to serve God. All of this matters because I give them access to my heart and mind.
An unrighteous partnership will always cloud our ability to discern the truth from falsehood and error. That is why Paul tells us live "not as unwise but as wise." When we live in wisdom and truth we will tenaciously guard our hearts and minds against wrong influences because we are fighting to be found holy in the sight of God. All it takes is the right partnerships.
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