I have not only heard it once but numerous times this month.
“You are a product of your environment.”
“You become like who you hang around.”
Over and over again, I heard a statement to this effect. It is true. We do become like who we hang around.
Years ago, someone shared something with me that has stuck with me.
Imagine you are at a place with a stage a few feet above the rest of the floor. One person stands on the stage, and the other is on the floor beneath them. Which is easier? Could the person ON the stage pull the one below UP to their level more easily? Or could the one BELOW pull the other one DOWN to their level easier?
The one beneath could pull the one down much easier. I have been consistently seeing this happen lately. It is happening to many around me.
People who spend time with negative people are becoming more like them. People who spend time with complaining people are picking up their habits. Those who spend time with angry people or people whose first response is anger are becoming more apt to anger. People who would not normally act like the ones they are hanging around are suddenly mimicking them.
2 Corinthians 6:14 teaches us: Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
We use this scripture for marriage or male/ female relationships, but it doesn’t only apply to those relationships. It should guide us in life.
I cannot afford to hang around people who are constantly talking about sickness, anger, complaining, and all those other things that displease God. I must, instead, make a point of being around people who have their hearts firmly set on God and His Word. That’s what I want to talk about. That’s what I want to hear. Not all this other stuff that does NOT line up with God’s Word.
Negative things may be happening in our world, but they should not receive our full attention. We should focus on God alone. If we keep our minds focused on God, He promises us peace. If we keep our minds on the media, I can promise you, there will be no peace.
Please do not spend your hours with people who are constantly talking negatively. Please remove yourself from people who complain all the time. Don’t hang around angry, bitter people.
I realize there may be times you must be around those types of people. If so, spend at least equal time with God and His Word. Keep yourself built up in Him.
I was in a position like that just last week. I was around people talking about things I would prefer not to hear. As soon as they left, I turned on worship music and changed the atmosphere. Why? because we are a product of our environment.
I knew that truth, but I also knew that I could change my environment. I must create an atmosphere conducive to God’s Word in my life.
I don’t know who or what you have been around and listening to lately. Change it now if it does not align with God and His Word. Don’t fill your heart and mind with negative stuff. Fill your life with God and watch Him keep you in perfect peace.
And remember…be very careful who and what you are around, we are a product of our environment.
