In The Word
Read: Romans 16:17-27
17 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such people are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 19 For the report of your obedience has reached everyone; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, and so do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
22 I, Tertius, who have written this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, greets you, and Quartus, the brother.
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now has been disclosed, and through the Scriptures of the prophets, in accordance with the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
There is the saying, “We are the company we keep.” God’s Word speaks to that in Proverbs 13:20, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm”; and in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals.” We can see through God’s truth that it is important to evaluate the people we attach our lives with, as they could influence us in either good or bad ways. The excerpt of scriptures we read today has Paul giving the church, them and us today, a loving word of truth. He explained to be watchful for those who cause disagreement and stumbling contrary to the teachings of God. Those types of people are selfish and deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. Paul goes on to tell them to turn away from such people.
Today would be a good time to start meditating on the key friendships you have placed in your life that influence you. Here are some questions to consider as you think about each person:
- Is Jesus Christ the Lord of their life?
- Do they tell me what I want to hear or encourage me to walk in God’s truth?
- Are they striving to walk in God’s truth?
- Do they gossip and talk negative about others?
How each person is evaluated based upon just these few questions should tell you a lot about them. Let us not be unwise any longer, but understand that our friendships in life have a big impact on whom we are and whom we are becoming. The right friendships in life will strengthen us as disciples to have a great impact on the world for Jesus Christ.