In my last post I mentioned that 2 Corinthians 6:14 says to not be yolked with unbelievers. I learned a lot by my mistakes over the years. All of us should learn really, but each mistake each individual makes is their own path.
My path was thinking I needed to walk on someone else’s to be someone and be important because I felt the need to be loved. That being said, I was loved but the devil was pulling at me to want more. I was following the selfish whims that the devil was placing in my head!
Let me give you an example. I used to be friends with someone who cussed all the time, who thought dirty thoughts all the time, and who seemed to be the center of attention by being loud and one of those who made the whole room laugh!
In my search for Christ, I found that that verse was changing my heart! I kept thinking about it over and over and why? The Holy Spirit was letting me know it was not appropriate for me. My conscience was telling me I myself was sinning because I wanted to fit in. I wanted to be someone.
One day that “friend” and I had a major indifference because now my heart had changed to be righteous and I was in full throttle excitement. I had to do what was right and we parted ways. In a way I was saddened that she could not see that truthfulness had to be the path. Yet, deep inside I found peace. I knew I did the right thing.
It is rare, but there are actually quite a few who have childhood friends that remain for a lifetime, but there are many friendships that come and go. Hardships hurt, but help us grow in righteousness if we seek His love and guidance first.
Now, that verse, which I am still working on memorizing, was one of many that I know is in His Word but one of many that I have to search for either online or in my concordance, which is a reference book to look up any word that is mentioned in the Bible. Look the word up, and there you see every verse that word is found in the Bible.
Some have the mind to know exactly what verse is what, but for others like myself, I know the verse but sometimes have to look them up for each specific one I seek. That’s ok, it is a working progress!
I made the decision to step out of an unGodly friendship and that was the best decision I made for that particular circumstance. However, as our preacher once taught, we can’t just exclude ourselves from the world. I thought of that.
There are many who are also seeking His truth. Perhaps some have been walking beside me on that same path. Perhaps their circumstances are different, but that is where God demanded us to go out and spread His good news! He demands us to be an example and to live like Christ!
We are not to live like a recluse or hermit. We are not to pine away in fear like Elijah did. The Lord came to him when Elijah was fearing for his own life and asked him what he was doing in there? God saw where he went and brought him back out! We should not fear with The Lord by our side! Whatever the devil throws our way, never let fear tear you down or make you feel less than you are!
If you cannot find reason with a situation and the other party is dragging you down and not listening to what is right, that is when sometimes you have to part ways. And I am not saying in cases of just feelings and what you yourself think, but by what God said and by His standards.
For example, one might think it is quicker to go one route and another opposes. Those are opinions. Build your life around Godly facts. If someone you are close to wants your approval and is living in sin and they cannot see His way will lead them to Heaven even after you express to them your concerns, then just part ways. You have done your part by trying to help. You have to fellowship with a Godly people for support!
If you fail to express your concerns lovingly and just agree with it, then you yourself are not helping them find Christ and are also causing God’s judgement upon you. Many may look down upon you because this world is an evil place at times, but God’s love and Heavenly home is your goal.
Just hiding away from people will not help anyone live righteously, but being the good example will help others see true Christ through you! I think of that friend often and pray for her so she may one day find the Lord and be forgiven!
