The Power of Association

The Power of Association

By Apostle Felix

3  Can two walk together, except they be agreed? 

Amos 3: 3

20  He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 13: 20

The English proverb “birds of a feather flock together” mirrors the biblical encouragement to choose our associations wisely. The company we keep speaks volumes about our character and directly reflects who we are, as captured in the classic saying: “Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are.” Because our true nature is mirrored in our associations, anyone whose close circles contradict their role—such as a policeman who profiles with thieves—deserves severe scrutiny. Ultimately, the collective character of a group has the absolute power to corrupt any individual within it.

33  So stop fooling yourselves! Evil companions will corrupt good morals and character.

1 Corinthians 15: 33

The company you keep shapes your character and destiny. You cannot surround yourself with doubters and murmurers and still expect to be a person of faith; inevitably, you will become just like them. While the Bible commands us to love everyone—enemies and friends alike—it does not instruct us to make everyone our close companion. Throughout history, many great dreams have been destroyed simply by the company that individuals chose to keep.

24  Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
25  Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. 

Proverbs 22: 24, 25

Does the Bible say “do not love an angry person”? No, it does not; however, it explicitly warns us to make no friendship with an angry man. Many people underestimate the incredible power of proximity, forgetting that whatever you allow into your personal space will eventually become an object of emulation. Behaviour is learned, and its primary medium of formation is language. The company you keep determines the words you are exposed to, and those words directly shape your thought life. Ultimately, those thoughts produce emotions, emotions drive decisions, decisions dictate actions, actions form habits, and habits ultimately produce character.

1  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psalm 1: 1

14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 

2 Corinthians 6: 14

Life is a collection of the choices we make on a daily basis. We choose what to wear, what to do, and what to eat. We choose whom to marry, and while we are here on earth, we even choose where to spend eternity. Life truly is a choice. This includes choosing who influences us. Unfortunately, we often allow negative influences into our lives with destructive consequences. It is time to make a wise decision today about who belongs in your company. It is never too late to let go of companions you have kept for years, even if those relationships have caused damage. You can choose to make a U-turn today simply by deciding to let those toxic friendships go.