THE LAW OF ASSOCIATION
Genesis 34:1-5
Your associations determine the level you can rise to in all areas of life. The law of association states that you are the average of people you associate with most. So if you take a sheet of paper and write the names of your close associates, check their lives and compare your position in life with those on the list; you will see the truth in this law.
So the question is, who are your associates? The Bible puts it well in Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” Another word for association is relationship. You must be careful of who your close associates are. Who are your close friends? Who are those you are in relationship with? The reason is that association does not leave you the same way it found you; it will either make or mar you.
In our bible reading, Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, went out to associate with the “daughters of the land”. In doing so, she was introduced to fornication. There is no reason to suggest she was not a willing accomplice to the sexual relationship with Shechem. Who you associate with matters. They either influence you positively or negatively.
There are three categories of relationship. The first is positive relationship. These are great relationships that add value to your life. They aid in the progression of your goals and guide some of your decisions. Such relationships always leave you in a positively energised state. The second is neutral relationships. These are individuals you don’t communicate with frequently, for example, acquaintances, family, distant friends, etc. Discussions with them are usually superficial like weather, sports, news, etc. These relationships have the potential of becoming positive or negative.
The third category is negative relationships. These are individuals in conditions you don’t want to be in. They are always negative in their utterances and advices. They even make you feel bad or guilty of your positive progress. It is necessary to end toxic and unfruitful associations if you are serious about attaining a rich mindset. Communicate and collaborate with individuals that have a mindset of well-being and progress. Your mind will be stimulated and sharpened by the wisdom of others. Like the scripture says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)
The company you keep says a lot about you, when you move with the wise, chances are that you’ll become a wise person. You need to be intentional about the company you keep .You look like the company you keep. By choosing your company right, you empower yourself more than what your limited ability could carry you. There should be ones among your circle that you can look up to, while there should be those that look up to you. Surround yourself with people that add value to your life and be thankful for them. Be thankful also for all the future good things that will come your way through these associations.
MEDITATION: Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 1 Corinthians 15:33
