“Do
not be fooled. ‘Bad companions ruin good character.’ Come back to your right senses and stop your
sinful ways. I declare to your shame
that some of you do not know God.” –1 Corinthians 15:33-34
A few weeks prior to this picture, I shared a photo when the tree
was full of blossoms. This particular
morning, only one blossom was left standing . . . alone. I thought to myself, how many times have I
had to stand alone, and how hard was it for me to make the choice to stand
alone?
Let’s be real, living for Christ is not always easy. I use the subject scripture often when I’m
talking with young people, but what about us – the seasoned ‘saints’? Do we always make good choices with the
company we keep? Probably not. As followers of Christ, it is a good practice
to periodically evaluate the relationships in our lives. Are they honoring God? Are they encouraging us to be strong in the
Lord, or stray from His plan for our lives?
Are they encouraging us to follow our sinful nature, or follow the
Spirit? What kind of fruit are your
relationships producing in your lives?
As you begin to evaluate your relationships, you may find there
are times you will be forced to stand alone to honor God. It is important to remember you may have to
stand alone in the natural, but in the spiritual, God is always there. His Word promises us that He will never leave
you, nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Just as the tree shed its beautiful blossoms, we may be forced to shed
some seemingly beautiful relationships.
But be not afraid, you are not alone.
Margaret Slaughter
