Who you walk with today will determine who you associate yourself with tomorrow. Proximity Matters

OPENING SCRIPTURE:

WALK with the wise and become wise; ASSOCIATE with fools and get in trouble (Proverbs 13:20 NLT)

• People around us influence: our thinking, our decisions, our character, and most definitely our spiritual direction.
• Relationships are not neutral, Influence works slowly over time, and you can love people without joining in their behavior.

The common connection in all relationships should be at the cross. Where our horizontal relationships with friends and family are connected with the vertical relationship with Christ

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (John 15:4 NIV)

• Christ is the connecting point in all relationships.

How to protect your purpose through Godly boundaries and healthy influences.

• Some people feed your faith, some people feed your flesh.
• Some relationships are not evil, but they are unhealthy for your spiritual growth.

#1: Not Everyone Can Go Where God Is Taking You

Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives! The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.” (Genesis 13:8-9 NLT)

• They separated ways because their environments and directions did not line up.

Lot took a LONG LOOK at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. (Genesis 13:10 NLT)

• Unlike Abraham, Lot was attracted to the high life not God’s plan for His life.

So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. (Genesis 13:12 NLT)

• Abraham ended up in the land of Canaan, which is the Promised Land.
• Lot ended in Sodom, a place that God destroyed because of its evil ways.

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. (2 Timothy 2:22 NLT)

• Godly living requires intentional boundaries.
• Fleeing from wrong and pursuing what it righteous.

Not every connection is meant for every season.

#2: Your Inner Circle Should Strengthen Your Faith

four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:3-5 NLT)

• True friends move you closer to Christ

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17 NLT)

• Healthy relationships produce growth.
• Sharpening is sometimes uncomfortable but necessary.

Choose people who make it easier to follow Jesus, not harder.

#3: Be An Influence Without Losing Your Identity

“You are the salt of the earth”

“You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

(Matthew 5:13-14 NLT)

• Salt preserves and light exposes darkness.
• Christians should impact environments without blending into them.

But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. (Daniel 1:8 NLT)

• Daniel lived in a corrupt culture without losing his convictions.

Likewise, believers are called to live in the world without allowing the world to fill their hearts.

Evaluate your relationships:

Some relationships need deeper investment.
Some relationships need healthier boundaries.
Some relationships need God’s wisdom.

But above all: Stay connected to Jesus.

CONCLUSION

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?