Associations Affect Outcome

Psalm 1:1-6 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Text Luke 6:39 “Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?”

In Luke 6, Jesus’ parable magnifies this powerful truth; “Your associations affect your outcome!” Having made the wrong choice for a companion, the blind man’s fate was sealed, “shall they not both fall into the ditch?” The blind man’s choice of an associate affected his outcome. In Psalm 1:1 this principle is enhanced by the choice of three companions! Your associate determines your direction; “walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.” When you chose an associate to walk with, you willfully chose to go in the direction they are going. You willfully surrender to their plans and purpose for life. Your associate determines your development; “standeth in the way.” Your associate will determine the pace at which you progress. When one goes from walking to standing, it means that progress has ceased. Your associate determines your destination, “sitteth in the seat.” The word “sitteth” means to sit down, to dwell, to remain or to settle. While it may not be your desired destination, your will ultimately settle where your companion comes to rest! As you prayerfully consider the direction, the development, and destination of your life; do you find the outcome unsettling? Your life has turned in opposition to God’s will, your spiritual development has come to a halt, and your destination will ultimately be void of eternal reward; while it may not be pleasant, it may be necessary to make a clean break with your present associations! While you are repulsed by allowing others to determine your friends, you willfully permit your friends to determine your fate. In Psalm 1:1 we see the foolishness of choosing an evil companion, but in Luke 6:39, we see the folly of choosing an equal companion. The blind man didn’t choose someone worse, but someone equal, when he should have selected someone who was an enlightened companion; “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end” (Proverbs 19:20).