Pulled down or pulled up

Here is what I know (and what I have read):  In life, it is far easier to be pulled down than lifted up.

 

That is so true in anything, but especially in the relationships we have in life.

 

It is far easier to be pulled down than lifted up.

 

You have a daily choice:  Am I going to hang out with people who lift me up?  Or am I going to hang out with people who bring me down?

 

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:33, "Don't be fooled....bad company corrupts good character."

 

More than anything else, the people you and I choose to associate with will form our character.  The way we act, think and respond to life.

 

It's inevitable:  You will take on the habits, attitudes, beliefs and even the mannerism of the people you surround yourself with. 

 

So....if you are dreaming and trying to life by faith in some area of your life - stay far away from people who will shrink your dreams and encourage the enemy (as one author put it) called "good enough."

 

Instead, hang out with people who will stretch you, speak truth into your life and help you pursue your God-given dreams.

 

Here is also something I know (and just read):  When people with different values hang out together, somebody ultimately changes. 

 

So, this day, I encourage you to do the following:

 

Make an assessment of who (or is it whom?)  you are spending time with.

 

Become alert to who is lifting you up and who is pulling you down.

 

Make a conscious effort to be with people whose character and integrity are equal to or greater than your own.

 

Hang out with positive, joyful, faith-filled people.

 

Ask someone you love and trust to hold you accountable.

 

Hang out with people who draw the best out of you and not the worst.

 

I leave you with this:  What do you do when you do encounter someone who is negative, filled with pessimism, and draining of your time and emotions?

 

Well, that is another subject in and of itself, but one suggestion would be this:  Fill your tank before you meet with them.  Inoculate yourself before your contact with them by reading something unusually inspiring, mediating on God, reading the Word, praying, speaking to a friend who is positive and joy-filled - in other words, fill your tank before you meet someone who will drain that tank.

 

Anyway, just some thoughts for a Wednesday.