We need to be careful of the kind of insulation we use in our lives. We need to insulate ourselves from negative people and ideas. But, we should never insulate ourselves from Godly counsel and wisdom.
It is a fact that misery wants your company. In Proverbs 27:19 (TLB) we read: “A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.” Proverbs 13:20 tells us, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” We become like those with whom we associate.
Some years ago I found myself at a stagnation point in my life. I was unproductive and unable to see clearly God’s direction. One day I noticed that almost all of my friends were in the same situation. When we got together, all we talked about was our problems.
As I prayed about this matter, God showed me that He desired that I have “foundational-level” people in my life. Such people who bring out the best in us, those who influence us to become better people ourselves. They cause us to have greater faith and confidence, to see things from God’s perspective. After being with them, our spirits and our sights are raised.
I have found that it is better to be alone than in the wrong company. A single conversation with the right person can be more valuable than many years of study.
The Lord showed me that I needed to change my closest associations, that there were some other people I needed to have contact with on a regular basis. These were men and women of great faith, those who made me a better person just be being around them.
They were the ones who saw the gifts in me and could correct me in a constructive, loving way. My choice to change my closest associations was a turning point in my life.
When you surround yourself and affiliate with the right kind of people, you enter into the God-ordained power of agreement.
Ecclesiastes 4:9,10,12 (TLB) states: “Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he’s in trouble. And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
You need to steer clear of negative-thinking “experts.” Remember: in the eyes of average people average is always considered outstanding. Look carefully at the closest associations in your life, for that is the direction you are heading.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing
John Mason is an international bestselling author, minister, publisher, executive author coach, and noted speaker. He’s the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group. Both organizations are dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their God-given destinies.
He has authored thirty-two books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An Original—Don’t Die A Copy, Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop, and Know Your Limits Then Ignore Them which have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 40 different languages throughout the world. His books are widely regarded as a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published twice in Reader’s Digest along with numerous other national and international publications. Seven of his books have reached number one on Amazon bestseller lists.
He’s been the president of two Christian publishing companies. He’s also a former Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson Publishers (Harper Collins), the 6th largest book publisher in the world and largest Christian publisher.
He’s an internationally recognized executive author coach, helping numerous prominent authors with their books for more than thirty years. Politicians, NBA, NFL, PGA, MLB, an Olympic gold medalist and other professional athletes, billionaires, businesspeople, pastors, ministers, New York Times bestselling authors, a Fortune 500 CEO, Navy SEALs, Top Gun pilots, and a Texas governor have all benefitted from his knowledge.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts, and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the US and around the world.