5 Ways To Get Closer To God (Part 5)

Part 5
Written By: Tamika Mahomes

​5. Evaluate Your Connections

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

While we each live life individually, we were not called to do our life alone. As believers, one of the most critical parts of our relationship with God is examining who and what we surround ourselves with. The relationships around us create an influence and provide an opportunity for us to be an influence. Each connection we have goes two ways. As believers, we must explore the things and people that influence our souls. ​

What Does The Bible Teach About Connections?:

1. Bad Company Changes Us

 "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

In our nature, it is easy to be an influence however, we must understand that the company we keep influences our character. Family, friends, co-workers, and spouses all influence who we are and what we believe. While our connections may not always include like-minded influence, we must be mindful of how each person we connect with influences us. We can not always control who is around us, but we can control our heart's response. As we approach our connections, let us walk in the truth of Proverbs 4:23 in guarding our hearts with all diligence (KJV).

2. When You Are Around Wise People, You Gain Wisdom

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
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​Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 9:9 (NIV)

Just as bad company can corrupt us, good company can grow us. When we surround ourselves with wise people, we grow in wisdom. As we walk as believers, it is important to know that we were never meant to stay the same. We are meant to grow in our relationship with God and in our faith as believers. Surrounding ourselves with those who have Godly wisdom is vital in helping us grow in our walk with God.

3. We Must Choose Our Friends Carefully

The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Prov. 12:26 (NIV)

In piecing together, bad company, and wise influence, this verse simplifies the two, that we must choose carefully those who we choose as our friends. As we walk through friendship, we are called to grow, change and become who God is calling us to be. When we surround ourselves with the right people they can help us to get there and encourage us along the way. Let us allow our connections to help us to grow closer to God and closer to one another. 

As we close this blog, let us remember the importance of this journey as believers. 2023 does not have to be one where we leave our relationship with God the same way we entered it. Keep these principles close and allow this year to be one of growth and change. 

Let's recap our 5 principles in growing closer to God:
1. Make Daily Devotion A Priority
2. Meditate On The Word Daily
​3. Connect With God Through Prayer
4. Seek Forgiveness & Repent
5. Evaluate Your Connections

Until next time, Be Blessed Friend!