DCLM Sincere Milk 24 June 2023 — Run Away From Bad Association
DCLM Sincere Milk 24 June 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Run Away From Bad Association
Topic: Run Away From Bad Association
Text: Ephesians 5:6-12
7Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Key Verse: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:11
Message
Friendships or association can have a positive or negative effect on our physical and spiritual well-being. We are influenced, for better or for worse, by those with whom we associate. Wrong association corrupts good people and make believers lose favour with God. Ungodly people do not care about pleasing God and about any eternal consequence that is attached to a sinful act. Since we do not share common values with unbelievers, we cannot afford to follow their footsteps. As friends of Jesus, we should always stand for God and His word so that He can be glorified in our lives. Associate with those that can influence you for good because bad association is like a trap set by the devil.
Do not join sinners to practice sinful habits. Do not love the world neither the things that are in this corrupt world. Evils such as immoral relationship with the opposite sex, pornography, drug addiction, cultism, etc. are common among young people today. Children of God must avoid relationships that will lead them into such evils and affect their faith in God. Live a holy life, be an example of good works, conversation and conduct. Be light and salt of the earth and a companion of those who love God.
Further Reading: Proverbs 1:10-16
Prayer for today: Dear God, please help me to do away with ungodly association but to maintain relationship with godly people.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
