The Power of Association

"God has given you each some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other". - 1 Peter 4:10 (TLB)

The power of association is irrefutable. It is said that a person’s friends paint a picture of his future, and an infant’s future is determined not only by his nature but also by his nurture. Even language is picked up unconsciously from ones environment or society from infancy. What you see and hear affects your thoughts, your thoughts affect your actions, your actions grow into your habits, your habits mould your character and your character carves out your future or destiny. Clearly the people in our immediate environment unconsciously affect us regardless of our age. The focus of this lesson is the impact that our associations have on us.

At the age of twelve Jesus the greatest teacher of all time got lost and His parents found Him no where else but in the presence of the Jewish teachers of the law discussing doctrine (Luke 2:46). At that tender age, He was attracted to people that were connected to His destiny. It is therefore imperative that based on your dreams in life; you surround yourself with people that will push you into the fulfillment of your destiny. There are two things, your associations will either push you to your goals or pull you away from them. The choice is yours. The importance of relationships in fulfilling one's purpose can never be overemphasized. Even on the cross Jesus was mending relationships both physically and spiritually. Before He died on the cross His words to 'John the beloved' were, 'John behold your mother' (John 19:27). After His death He also reconciled all men to God.

One of the greatest mistakes one can ever make in life is to dishonor his seniors or people that are ahead of him in a vocation. ‘Everything you ever wanted is near to you, waiting for your recognition. God always hides something you need in someone you don’t recognize. You attract what you value and your future is determined by what you honor. The difference between your present season and your next season can be a seed of knowledge you receive through someone. Out of the Ten Commandments, four of them are about honoring God and the next six are about honoring men’ (Mike Murdock - The law of recognition). Don’t forget that one day of favor can be worth more than a life time of labor. Learn from those who have succeeded where you want to succeed, in order to know what to do and what not to do. Admiral Hyman Rickover said, 'Learn from the mistakes of others; you will never live long enough to make them all yourself.'

There are three kinds of people you can have relationships with; your ‘superiors’, ‘your peers’ and your ‘subordinates’. A superior can become your mentor, a peer can become a friend who will challenge you unto greater heights, and a subordinate can become a mentee that you bless and impart, with your rich experiences. The way you deal with these three groups of people should be unique. You can’t afford to be dealing with your superior as a subordinate or a peer. You need wisdom to identify the category anyone you meet falls into. Peter writes, "God has given you each some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other” (1 Peter 4:10)

Finally be careful of dream stealers. Some people will steal or abort your dreams if you share it with them before the right time. Be careful and be led by God about who you share your dreams with. Do not expose your dreams before the appointed time. Remember, a baby lion can even be killed by a mature dog. Be careful who you take counsel from; you can listen to friends and wreck God’s purpose for your life. In conclusion, make sure that your most important relationship (your relationship with God) is right. God is the source of all wisdom and it is written that, ‘when a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him’(Prov 16:7)