The Power of Partnership

The Power Of Partnerships.
by Jason Cruise

Be imitators of God ... but among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

Therefore do not be partners with them... be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise. (Ephesians 5:2-15)

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How do you turn a battleship?

The answer is easy: constant pressure on a small rudder. Over time pressure wins even though it must turn a massive vessel.

It's not just true in matters of faith, it's true in every area of life: you eventually adopt the mentality of the people around you. Why? Because the people closest to your heart and mind simply shape your way of thinking.

It's the word "partners" that stops me cold. Holiness is forever tied to the power of your partnerships. What you choose to watch on TV, or listen to in music, is your entertainment partner. Who you choose to read is your life-philosophy partner, because you are allowing them to shape your thoughts. All of it matters, because you are giving those authors, producers, as well as those colleagues, friends, and golf partners the precious asset of your mind. Holiness matters because what you value ultimately drives your decisions.

An unrighteous partnership will always cloud your ability to discern truth from error. Which is why Paul tells us to live "not as unwise but as wise." Wise men guard their influences with a holy tenacity because they deeply desire to be tenaciously holy.

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