Luke 15:11-15 KJV — “And he said, A certain man had two sons: [12] and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. [13] And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. [14] And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. [15] And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.“
My brethren, I want to share with you that who you relate with matters. This is because
- What they say gives you information and
- Who they are changes you
From the story shared by the Lord, when the boy was home, he was a son; while he was away, though he is the son of a rich man; he lived and laboured like a hired hand. His relationship began to define who he became and how he lived.
Note that the same person who when was joined to the citizen of another city worked as a farm hand and could nearly feed; became a son with a new robe and ring, when he changed his association. The only thing that changed about the boy in the story was who he was relating with.
Be careful when you are switching relationships. Those who relate with big people, are also perceived as big. That is why up and coming musicians collaborate with other known singers from other countries. The collaboration adds value to their career.
Even in ministry, those you relate with determine how you will be seen and accepted. When John the Baptist introduced Jesus Christ, it added some credibility to his ministry. Be careful how you treat, relationships the Lord brings your way. Ruth was accepted because of her relationship with Naomi. Boaz accepted Ruth because of who she was and how she had treated Naomi.
Have you moved to a new city, new college, new social status etc; watch your new relationship. Who stands by you matters a lot. Uriah died in battle because no one stood by him at the hottest point. If you have someone standing by you, treat them well. Treat them with respect.
When you roll with fools, you become one; when you befriend an angry person, you learn of his ways and be destroyed; when you relate with five wise people, you become the sixth. Your relationship will define you, take care.
Stay blessed
