Dee Exquisite Atelier

THE MIDWEEK MESSAGE ✝️

This midweek inspirational piece is brought to you by Cornerstone Christian Family Church, Heidelberg.

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Scripture is clear on the importance of choosing the right company to associate with. The people we walk with have the power to influence our thoughts, actions desires and choices.

Relationships can influence purpose and destinies, positively or negatively. It has been said that friends are like elevators – they can either take you up or bring you down. We have seen through many passages of scripture how relationships can have an impact upon lives – whether it is a godly influence or an ungodly influence.

When we use the words “bad company", it does not necessarily mean that the company is evil or malicious. It simply means that the companion may have values, language or a lifestyle that contradicts God’s will for your life. That particular company may have the potential to weaken your convictions and distort your spiritual vision for your life.

There are many examples in the scriptures of how people who were destined for greatness, fell because they mingled with others who influenced them negatively. One such example is the case of king Rehoboam, a young man who succeeded the great King Solomon (1 Kings 12:8-16). Instead of following the advice of wise counsel, he foolishly took the counsel of young men, his peers, who lacked wisdom and discernment. “And the king answered the people harshly, and forsaking the counsel that the old men had given him” (1 Kings 12:13). This led to disastrous consequences for king Rehoboam, which resulted in the division of his kingdom. His story cautions us about surrounding ourselves with bad company.

The story serves as a timeless example that rings true even today – it encourages us to be mindful in selecting our circle of friends. Proverbs 22:24-25 cautions us “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare”.

When you keep the wrong company, even your best intentions can be compromised. This serves as a reminder to carefully choose those we associate ourselves with, as their influence can directly impact your walk with God.

The right associations will build you up and sharpen your faith. It is in your best interest to walk with those who fear God, love His Word, and share your commitment to holy living.

God Bless.

What is the BUT in your life?

THE MIDWEEK MESSAGE ✝️

This piece of midweek inspiration is brought to you by Cornerstone Christian Family Church, Heidelberg.

"Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy" (2 Kings 5:1).

Naaman was the commander of a great army. A man well respected by the king with great military success. He was a brave and courageous man, feared for the power that he yielded.

However, despite his great military success and high status, there was something wrong with him. His problem is introduced by a three-letter word. Scripture says “BUT”, he had leprosy. Naaman had a “BUT’ in his life. This small word undermines every great thing that was spoken about Naaman before. Now, Naaman is just a man with leprosy.

Leprosy was a disease that symbolized uncleanness, social isolation, and eventually decay, a condition that brought him to a place of desperation. His great accolades could not remove the secret shame and reproach. This man, who was strong and powerful on the outside had a weakness on the inside that left him vulnerable.

In many ways many are like Naaman, outside perfect, great success, respected, strong yet inside we hold deep hurts, scars, rejection and insecurities.

What is the “BUT” in your life? No one has it all together. One lesson learnt from this story is that no matter how powerful, wealthy or successful a person is, they are not immune to suffering. Just like Naaman, we all have weaknesses that our status, position and wealth cannot help us with. And in these times the only help that we do have does not come from human power, but it comes from God. Man, irrespective of how influential he is, has limited power, but God has ultimate power.

Naaman’s help came from the most unlikely source. God used a servant girl in his household to direct him to prophet Elisha for healing (2 Kings 5:3). Sometimes, God uses unexpected people to lead us to our breakthrough. Naaman had a preconceived idea of how his healing would take place (2 Kings 5:11). Naaman even brought gifts for the prophet, but he quickly found out that healing cannot be purchased and money and status cannot buy divine intervention.

God will never leave us alone in our distress. He will always send help our way. However, pride and self-centeredness often keep us from hearing God’s voice and obeying His plan. He is a God of healing and nothing is impossible for Him. Let us learn from Naaman and humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God our healer.

God Bless.