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The Company You Keep
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.”
Luke 22:55–27
Jesse’s father, a Baptist preacher, died when Jesse was just three years old. Jesse grew up idolizing his older brother Frank, even following his brother into battle during the Civil War when Jesse was still just sixteen years old. They served in the notorious guerrilla force under William Quantrill, fighting more against civilians than soldiers on the other side. When the war ended, many of those who served together in the military formed a criminal gang and began robbing banks, trains, and stagecoaches. It was not long before Jesse, still in his twenties, became the leader of one of the most famous gangs in American history. His life of crime continued until he was killed by one of his own men who wanted the reward that had been placed on Jesse James.
The people with whom we spend most of our time have a powerful influence on us. If we are sitting by the enemy’s fire on a regular basis, it will not be long until we begin to seek their approval and acceptance more than God’s. We may have good motives and not want to be pulled down, but the power of influence cannot be overcome with good intentions. Paul warned, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Many good Christians have been led astray because they allowed the main influences in their lives to be those who were not friends of God. If Peter had not been warming himself at the fire of those who hated Jesus, he would not have been tempted to deny the Lord.
Luke 22:55–27
Jesse’s father, a Baptist preacher, died when Jesse was just three years old. Jesse grew up idolizing his older brother Frank, even following his brother into battle during the Civil War when Jesse was still just sixteen years old. They served in the notorious guerrilla force under William Quantrill, fighting more against civilians than soldiers on the other side. When the war ended, many of those who served together in the military formed a criminal gang and began robbing banks, trains, and stagecoaches. It was not long before Jesse, still in his twenties, became the leader of one of the most famous gangs in American history. His life of crime continued until he was killed by one of his own men who wanted the reward that had been placed on Jesse James.
The people with whom we spend most of our time have a powerful influence on us. If we are sitting by the enemy’s fire on a regular basis, it will not be long until we begin to seek their approval and acceptance more than God’s. We may have good motives and not want to be pulled down, but the power of influence cannot be overcome with good intentions. Paul warned, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Many good Christians have been led astray because they allowed the main influences in their lives to be those who were not friends of God. If Peter had not been warming himself at the fire of those who hated Jesus, he would not have been tempted to deny the Lord.
Today’s Growth Principle:
The most powerful influence in most people’s lives comes from those with whom they spend the most time.
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