Association and Influence, Part 1
Foundational Scripture: Psalm 1
"Oh, the joys of those Who do not follow the advice of the wicked or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers, but they delight in doing everything the Lord wants, day and night they think about His law, they are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail, their leaves never wither and in all they do they prosper."
Association, definition:
- To associate
- To link or connect in the mind or imagination
- To keep company, mix socially
- A companion, comrade
- Following or accompanying, concomitant (naturally together}
- To bring into friendship
- A friend who is frequently in the company of another, drinking companion, comrade in arms, soul mate
With whom do you associate?
- Those to whom you listen
- Those with whom you spend your time
- Those with whom you share your thoughts and ideas
- Those with whom you value the time spent together
It is said that time and words can never be recalled. It is said that time is our most valuable asset. There is a saying that says, “What I do today is important because I am paying a day of my life for it. What I accomplish must be worthwhile because the price is so valuable.”
Jim Rohn, one of my favorite life teachers, has much to say about the time we are given and how we choose to spend it. His observations are so simple and so fundamental, and yet so profound. I find myself saying, “Yeah, I have thought of that or I know that.” The next question that naturally follows and begs to be answered is “Why haven’t I done something about it?” or more importantly, “What is wrong with now? What am I waiting for?” And I am sure I am the only person who says, “I am, just not now.” The timing is not right, or I have to do this first, and THEN, I will… and before I know it, a great amount of time has passed and I have yet to respond to the obvious awareness that I have and know that is waiting and begs to be addressed.
Today, I challenge you to think about how you are spending your time, and with whom you are spending your time. Ask Holy Spirit God to speak to you, and give you insight into the ways you are spending time, and the people you are associating with. Open your heart to hear whether adjustments need to be made in your life.
We will pick back up on this thought next week.
