“The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify.”
The truth of this verse is not drastically different than yesterday’s. Guilt by association is a part of our legal system. As my children grew I constantly reminded them that if their friends were caught with drugs or alcohol everyone present when the police showed up was guilty as well. One didn’t believe me, they argued with me but after I had to pick him up from the police station for that very thing they understood. This is also true in the spiritual world. Early in my walk with Christ I determined to be around older guys who had been in a relationship with Jesus for a while. Over time that led to seeking out relationships with men who I saw not only living wise, Godly lives but who also poured their wisdom into others. Because the focus of my early ministry was specifically focused on those who were not within a consistent witness of the the Gospel I worked even more diligently to stay in close connection to wise Christian leaders. I always sought out a personal relationship with my pastors. I also intentionally worked to have a relationship with those in leadership in our ministry nationally. The beauty and power of God’s truth lived out in the journeys of His saints is an amazing resource for those of us looking to understand Him. I could talk about how the bad and evil in this world have the same impact on people. I could talk about the grip and chains those peoples influence has on our hearts. But, I chose to focus on kingdom peoples influence believing that’s what we all desire. Today be sure your new year is surrounded by the Godly. #BeTheEdge
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”Acts 20:28 NIV
