Who are your closest companions

Who are your closest companions, and how are they shaping you? Like most kids, I got into my share of trouble during my childhood. Not all of my friends were good influences. In fact, some were quite mischievous. My mother, concerned about my behaviour, often reminded me of a verse from the Bible:

Bad company ruins good morals!” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

This wisdom is recognised universally, even by non-Christians, who have their own sayings, like “He who lies down with dogs will get up with fleas.” No one wants fleas, but it is even more devastating to have our morals corrupted, so it is worth taking a moment to ask ourselves: what kind of company do I keep?

The good news is Scripture not only warns us about bad company, but it also directs us to the best company we can keep. It reminds us that we as believers have access to the most magnificent company that exists, anywhere. This is beautifully outlined in 1 John 1:3:

That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

The Holy Spirit is likewise part of this fellowship. Paul provides this detail in his farewell in 2 Corinthians, writing: “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (13:14b).

This fellowship can be divided into two aspects, with the invisible (our Triune God) and with the visible (God’s people, the church). It is God’s calling for believers that the depth of these relationships far surpasses any earthly relationship. While unbelievers are limited to relationships anchored solely in this world, believers experience supernatural relationships founded on grace. These relationships exist because of God, continue in God, and ultimately glorify God. When they thrive in love and forgiveness, they serve as a foretaste of the glorious relationships we will enjoy in the new heavens and the new earth.

However, despite being called into such a great company, Christians are often selective regarding the priority they place on either the invisible or the visible relationships. This can lead to imbalances in two ways. First, some may prioritise personal devotions while holding a negative view of the church, resulting in a solitary Christian life. This is witnessed in the rise of online church that, although having some usefulness, degrades the church experience to a one-person affair, contradicting the essence of church as a gathering of believers. On solo Christianity Scripture is clear that God’s intention was for Christians to worship collectively. For example, Jesus said ‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them’ (Matt 18:20).

On the other hand, some Christians may attend church but neglect personal devotion, becoming overly reliant on others for spiritual nourishment. Their connection to God becomes mediated through the church, and they miss a personal relationship with Him. Instead of attending church to serve and minister to others, they come solely to have their needs met.

The most concerning scenario is when individuals pay no attention to either church or personal devotions. This is a dangerous path for a Christian and may even raise questions about their salvation. They risk neglecting “such a great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3) and foregoing the joy-filled relationships available in Christ.

It is important to clarify that investing in these relationships does not mean we should withdraw from the unbelieving world around us. The Lord has called us to be lights in the world, and to do that, we must interact with non-believers. Just as we should not isolate ourselves from church, we should also not isolate ourselves from the world; rather, we are called to live among them, exemplifying and preaching the gospel. But our strength to influence the world is sourced from our relationship with God and His people. This is the richest and most fulfilling relationship in the universe—let us enjoy it! So, what company are you keeping today? Invest in your relationship with God and his people, so that you might shine brightly as a light in this world.