Surrounded with?
V24 n25
Definition for surround: to enclose on all
sides; encompass; form a border around; to in close with hostile intent;
besiege, as a fortress or a city.
In
one’s every day life, they surround themselves with many things, a few of which
are good for their spiritual well being, and with many that are very
detrimental to their spiritual well being. What is it that makes up the
thoughts that then fill your day? The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing;
to rejoice evermore! However, if the wrong thoughts have surrounded or filled
one’s mind, will you always feel like praying, let alone to be joyful?
In
the movie theatres today, they have what is called surround sound. With this,
they try to surround you with the sound to make you feel or sense that you are
more a part of the surroundings, a very part of the movie that you are
watching. The same things is true with the way one
will surround themselves in their thoughts. As a man thinks within his heart,
so will he be. What fills the mind, will be
transformed into their life, their surroundings.
People
seldom give thought to the things that surround them, and that have an
influence or major role, in and on the decisions which they make in every day
life. The things that can control or surround one’s thought process can be the
people they associate with; what thoughts their mind is thinking or meditating
on; the places that they may frequent; the habits that they develop; traditions
that have been established; all these things have an influence on the thoughts,
the decisions and choices one will make each day, as to whether they are in
agreement with God and His Word, or in opposition to Him.
The
Bible tells us clearly that two cannot walk or travel together unless they are
in agreement. So then what happens when a person surrounds themselves with
those people, places or things that are hostile to God and His guidelines? How
often do we see people vigorously defend the choices they make that place them
in opposition to God? (It is only the truth of God’s Word that can set a person
free, and keep them free, as they continue in the truth of His Word).
How often is it that a person will place themselves in the wrong surroundings, and then try to blame God for their decisions or choices? For example: if you had not been in the ark with Noah at the time that the flood started, who would you have blamed for the position you were in? At the time, one seldom thinks of the consequences when they surround themselves with things that are detrimental to their spiritual well being. Is this because they have not learned to keep their mind surrounded with the proper things, or could it be laziness?
It
does not make any difference whether it is rituals established by man, or
traditions started by a family, if they hinder or harm one’s relationship with
God, if they are contrary to God’s Word, they should be avoided. Yet, how often
does one surround themselves with the wrong people, places or things?
Romans 16:17
But I beg you, brothers, to keep on the lookout for those who stir up
divisions and put hindrances in your way, in opposition to the instruction that
you had, and always avoid them. (William's New Testament)
Look
sharply after them; let them have no kiss of charity nor peace, because they
strive to make divisions, and thus set the flock of Christ at variance among
themselves; and from these divisions, offences (skandala (grk 4625),
scandals) are produced; and this is contrary to that doctrine of peace, unity,
and brotherly love which you have learned. Look sharply after such that they do
you no evil, and avoid them-- i. e. give them no countenance, and have no
religious fellowship with them. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)
Whatever
varies from the form of sound doctrine which we have in the scriptures opens a
door to divisions and offences. If truth be once deserted, unity and peace will
not last long.
(from Matthew Henry's Commentary)
One
should be surrounding themselves with those things, those thoughts, those people, that will enable them and assist them to be that
example of the believers.
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one think slightingly of you because you are a young man; but
in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, be an example for your fellow
Christians to imitate. (
Each and every word that one speaks, should be to promote the cause of Christ. Yet, how often does one hear people say, that what we say, or how we say it, is not of great of importance? Do we think that the Lord said that by our words we would be justified, or by our words we would be condemned, is of little or no significance?
[In
word] In doctrine; teach nothing but the truth of God, because nothing but
that will save souls.
[In
conversation]). In the whole of thy conduct in every department which
thou fillest in all thy
domestic as well as public relations, behave thyself well. (from
Adam Clarke Commentary)
Those
who teach by their doctrine must teach by their lives, else they pull down with
one hand what they build up with the other: they must be examples both in word
and conversation. Their discourse must be edifying,
and this will be a good example: their conversation must be strict, and this
will be a good example: they must be examples in charity, or love to God and
all good men, examples in spirit, that is, in spiritual-mindedness, in
spiritual worship,-- in faith, that is, in the
profession of Christian faith,-- and in purity or chastity. (from
Matthew Henry's Commentary)
We
are told not to forsake the gathering together of the fellow believers. We
should surround ourselves with those which are likeminded,
that is those that are followers of Christ.
Hebrews 10:25
not neglecting - as some habitually do - to meet together, but
encouraging one another, and doing this all the more since you can see the day
of Christ approaching. (
Assembly
and fellowship are two evidences of vital faith. When zeal flags and faith
weakens, the desire to fellowship with other believers weakens also. Through
such assembly the provocation of verse 24 is possible. When Christians meet
together, they exhort each other to fruitful service and unbroken fellowship.
The danger of apostasy lurks in the failure of believers to meet together for
mutual help, "mutual encouragement"). (from Wycliffe
Commentary)
It is those that are
operating in the mind of Christ, who are able to encourage us, and exhort us to
continue on the strait and narrow path. It is each persons choice and decision
on who or what they will surround themselves with each day.
The
duty intimated and directed to, not to forsake the assembling together, as some
do; for Christian assemblies are the life, the food, and nourishment of our
souls; Consequently forsaking of church-assemblies is
usually the forerunner of apostasy. (Wm Burkitt commentary)
Eccl.
It
is your choice, your decision, of who or what you will surround yourself with
this day. Will it be hard? Yes! But one has to have the mind a temperament that
Joshua had, regardless of what everyone else was saying or doing! will you and your house serve only Him this day?
That
you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
Larry
Gazelka
J
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