GRANDMA SAYS ~ "BEWARE OF CERTAIN ASSOCIATIONS!"

"It is easy to be pulled down, but hard to pull someone up." ~ Spurgeon

 

AVOID? "Grandma, you must be kidding! "Yes my sweet child, God says AVOID." Grandma Lela's advice was, "We must avoid friendships with those who have certain character defects." "But why, again I ask! You say I must love all people like Jesus, but then avoid people?" "Yes, my darling, for God says that those whom you tie your soul too, their attitudes rub off on you and you become like them! Unbelievers and believers not walking with the Lord. You can love them, but not let their thoughts and attitudes influence yours, she said!" The Bible not only warns us against associating with scoffers and fools, but it also warns us against having a close relationship with people who have certain character defects.

THE GOSSIP ~ This is the kind of person who always has unfavorable news about someone which he passes on with great delight. Those that like to sow discord among everyone.
The Bible says,

"He who goes about as a talebearer (gossiper) reveals secrets: therefore do not associate with him...." Proverbs 20:19

He also says in Proverbs 6 what He HATES:

¹⁶ These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
¹⁷ A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸ A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
¹⁹ A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.

THE CRITICAL AND DISCONTENT~ Beware of building relationships with those who have a bitter and critical spirit, who harbor unforgiveness, especially those who are resentful and rebellious toward those in authority. If you associate with them, they will pass this critical spirit on to you.
THOSE WHO ARE ANGRY~ The quick-tempered person does not know how to control his anger. If you associate with him, you will learn his ways. The Bible says,

"Do not make friends with an angry person, and do not associate with a wrathful person, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare." Proverbs 22:24-25

Let me give you a very Wise man's example:

Once a young lady came to see the great preacher, Charles H. Spurgeon. She told him of a deep friendship she had with an unbelieving young man. She said that her aim was to lead him to Christ and that she had decided to be engaged to him fairly soon.
Since she was seeking his advice, Spurgeon asked the young lady to stand on a table. Then he told her to grasp his hand and try her best to pull him up onto the table. She tried, but of course could not do it.
Then Spurgeon said, "Now watch what happens when I pull you." With just one pull, she came down.
Spurgeon then said, "It is easy to be pulled down, but hard to pull someone up." At once the girl saw what would happen in this relationship with the unsaved man.

"So you see, it is so much easier for us to be pulled into the world than for others to be pulled out. We are in the world but not of the world!" she said. We can do all we can to love others and share the love of Jesus, but remember to choose very wisely who to become close to and beware of  some of our associations." ~ Grandmas love..... Just like a big hug!