“The other day,” Stan began one morning, “we talked about the importance of how and where we spend our time. Who we choose to hang out with.”
“We did,” I replied, “focusing on a couple of different Bible verses, one from Proverbs and one from the apostle Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth. [Note to reader: See the May 4, 2021, posting, “Who You Hanging With?”]
“That’s right,” Stan said, “and there’s another part about that verse in Paul’s letter I would like to mention.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“The importance of being ‘good company,” Stan responded.
“Good company?” I said, “In what way?”
“As you’ll remember,” Stan replied, “what Paul wrote about concerns ‘bad company’ corrupting ‘good morals.’ However, I think what he didn’t say is equally important. He could have gone on to say, ‘Good company strengthens good morals’.”
“That seems almost like a given,” I commented.
“It may be a given, in that it’s pretty obvious,” Stan replied with a smile, “but I’m a slow learner and I need all of the reminders I can get. In this instance, it’s a reminder for me to be good company so that others are strengthened in their faith walk by being around me.”
“That’s kind of like the edification thing we’ve talked about,” I said, “that we are to strengthen others by who we are. Build them up, not tear them down.”
“Exactly,” Stan responded. “I am to be good company, a person others seek out in order to have their faith walk strengthened.”
“How’s that supposed to happen?” I asked.
“Being a disciple,” Stan said. “Denying self, doing what God has for me to do, and following Him wherever He wants to lead.”
“Seems like a lot we talk about has to do with discipleship.” I commented.
“You’re right, my friend,” Stan replied, “and we do that for the reason that it’s important. Jesus said to go and make disciples, and I think everything He said is important!”
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Bible verses to consider:
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Let all things be done for edification. 1 Corinthians 14:26.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . . Matthew 28:19.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your free and gracious gift of life eternally with you when it’s time. Thank you, too, for the provision of the eternal life of knowing you and Jesus ever-more deeply on this side of eternity. As you allow us to know you and Jesus more deeply in ever-closer personal relationships, it is clear that you want us to manifest you to others so they will benefit from what you show us about walking with you in faith. I confess that too often I am not the company for others that you intend. Please forgive me and please help me in following every step of your lead in helping others draw ever closer to you. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Being good company may be more important than being around good company. Do you agree with that? Why or why not? In what ways can being good company open opportunities to share your faith and strengthen others? How are you doing with being that sort of good company? As well as you would like? As well as God would like? If you sense changes are needed in your life, how are those changes going to happen? Is that something you would like? Why or why not?
Waiting for the Train 