LEARNING DAILY

1 Peter 1:13-16, Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

Pastor Jonathon Moore, Lead pastor at NorthRock Church spoke about Believers living holy lives and the need to have the right relationships in every aspect of their lives. The topic certainly fits into the way the Lord wants His “disciples” to live. Being holy “means to be set apart for divine use” (Jonathon Moore) and that includes our relationships. Pastor Moore continued about relationships being either holy or unholy; there is no in between.

God did not create people to be alone. Audrey wrote in her notes, “God’s plans for us are always ‘hinged’ with other people. Our relationship with God does not stop there as He will surround us with others too”. Pastor Moore stated, “Your relationships lead you either to victories or to valleys. Holy relationships bring or add blessings to your life. Unholy relationships subtract from your life, decreasing your dreams or take you back to places you left a long time ago”. Consider that statement for moment and consider your friends once you got saved and now in order to see if that has been true for you. Audrey wrote in regard to this statement, “Every person has value but not every person needs access to your life”.  Everyone has heard the thought about having only a handful of friends but have a lot of acquaintances. Choose to have those “friends” be those you know will lead you to the victories pastor Moore mentioned.

“We establish someone’s worth based on their Creator, but we establish their access based on their character” (JM). For those who have walked the narrow way for very long, this message might be obvious. However, choosing right relationships is extremely important. “The greatest predictor of where one is going is in your relationships. The wrong person in your life, at the right time can turn the right season into the wrong season’” (JM). The Proverbs gives this statement credibility. Proverbs 24:1-3, “Don’t envy evil people or desire their company. For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble. A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.”. Proverbs 24:5-7, “The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.” Proverbs 22:24, “Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people” (These verses are from the new Living Translation). That is sound advice from Solomon!

Audrey wrote in her notes sound advice for each of us as we choose those we surround ourselves with. “Distance ourselves from evil people. Pastor Moore characterized evil people as dangerous, having a victim mentality, having been deeply hurt, have a sense of entitlement, and are threatening. He stated a phrase I have heard a number of times lately: “Hurt people hurt people”.

“Set boundaries with foolish people”. Pastor characterized foolish people as arrogant, unteachable, unrealistic, selfish and irresponsible. 1 Corinthians 15:33 is good to remember, “Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."

“Pursue wise people.” Pastor characterized wise people as humble, teachable, empathetic, responsible, learners, and welcome correction. “Wise people always have time for what they ‘want’ to make time for” (Audrey’s notes). Every one of us need to have holy relationships, those who are wise, in our life!

Choose wisely, Believers!