LEARNING DAILY

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 5, For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven… a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.

Pastor Maurice Cox spoke at Community Bible Church this weekend on the importance for Believers to evaluate the relationships they have in their lives. He said, “As Believers a time comes when there is a need to walk away from certain relationships – expired relationships or those relationships that no longer benefit them.”

The writer of Ecclesiastes recognized this when he wrote, “a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.” This is the action of letting go and holding on to relationships (in this case). Pastor Cox said to “evaluate your relationships, your friendships. Stop being casual about who you are friends with.” I imagine that all Believers have friends that do not understand their relationship to Jesus Christ and the desire to walk the narrow way that He demands. These “friends” may be a hinderance to fulfilling the role Jesus has for you to fulfill as His follower.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Solomon writes about the seasons of life that individuals go through. He writes that in this life these seasons have their appointed time and purpose; each experience points the individual to being in alignment with God’s plan for their life. One of the important seasons is when the Believer realizes the need to walk away from those who may have been their friends for a long time. “It is not a matter of if one walk away, but when” (MC).

Proverbs 13:20, “One who walks with wise people will be wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm” (NASB). The New Living Bible says, “associate with fools and get into trouble.” In other words, choose your friends wisely. A fool rejects God, while a wise person seeks God and godly wisdom. Pastor cited the life of Samson; his relationship to Delilah was not a good choice. He kept going back to her against God’s will, “playing around with God’s grace, until God gave him over to his own desires. When God departed from Samson, he did not even know it.” (MC).

This message was an important reminder for Believers to understand their social circles can impact their lives. Set boundaries and surround yourself with people who are going to help and encourage you to walk as Jesus wants you to walk, those who will help you make wise decisions and be a positive influence with your walk on the narrow way. Believers are more likely to make wise decisions and walk like Christ by choosing to walk with the wise.