“The quality of our life is determined by the quality of our relationships.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 29, 2022
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20
What are the outcomes of walking with the wise? Good health? Harmony at home? A happy heart? Financial security? Freedom of speech and worship? A fulfilling career? Grateful and content children? A meaningful marriage? A life of significance? Peace with God? Probably some of these elements and more make up wise living—a quality life.
The quality of our life is determined by the quality of our relationships. Who we spend time with is who we become. If we spend time with those wise in their finances, and if we pay attention, we can become wise in our finances. If we are intentional in our faith, we will worship with those of great faith. Our life is a reflection of our relationships.
I love how Henri Nouwen explains the wisdom of being in a Christ-centered community: “The community of faith offers the protective boundaries within which we can listen to our deepest longings, not to indulge in morbid introspection, but to find our God to whom they point. In the community of faith, we can listen to our feelings of loneliness, to our desires for an embrace or a kiss, to our sexual urges, to our cravings for sympathy, compassion, or just a good word; also, to our search for insight and to our hope for companionship and friendship. In the community of faith, we can listen to all these longings and find the courage, not to avoid them or cover them up, but to confront them in order to discern God’s presence in their midst.”
How is your relational portfolio? Are you diversified with people who bring value to all aspects of your life? Conversely, are you intentional to invest time and interest in those who look to you for guidance? Quality of life flows from not just receiving wisdom, but from giving wisdom. Wisdom works both directions for the good of the relationship.
Be careful not to excuse bad behavior because you are trying to relate to questionable company. Draw a line far away from eroding your character’s creditability. You can influence others for good without being bad. In some situations, what you don’t do defines you more than what you do. Use business trips and vacations to model faithfulness not foolishness. Stand for what’s right—when others agree to what’s wrong.
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Above all, quality of life results from your relationship with Christ. He is life itself and everything good in life flows from Him. When you grow in your personal relationship with Jesus it affects the growth of your other relationships. Relationship building in heaven—builds relationships on earth. Ultimately, Jesus is the life to model and follow. The resurrected life of Christ gives you the spiritual stamina to experience a quality life.
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Romans 12:5).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me courage to be in community with the wise, and discernment to avoid the company of fools, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What relationship do I need to break off, and what relationship do I need to nurture? Who are the wise people I spend time with? Am I investing in quality relationships?
Related Reading
Psalm 56:13; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Philippians 2:1-4; 1 John 1:7
Worship Resource
Hillsong Worship: New Wine
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
