Bad company and bad choices destroy good disciplines!
We are the average of the people who surround us!
We are living in a world where being well financially, mentally, and spiritually has become a challenge. In order to keep our lives in order, we need to be careful about what and who influences us. Activities and people can contaminate the good nature of our character and disciplines; therefore, we must remain guardians of our soul, mind, and well-being by not allowing influences or people with bad customs, disciplines, or practices to destroy what may have taken us years to build.
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” — Jim Rohn
There are countless things to be careful about: the music we listen to, which influences our minds toward the consumption of material things, alcohol, and drugs, or even worse—promiscuity. We must be wary of the online platforms we use, including those featuring pornography or other content that conditions our minds for instant gratification and short-term satisfaction, interrupting our focus on what really matters. We must be honest: we are not perfect, and on many occasions, we only notice the influences or people impacting our lives once we are already in an uncomfortable, complicated, or even dangerous situation.
So here is the simple truth: if we know that fire burns, why should we put our hands into the fire? The one thing we truly have in our hands is the decision of where and among whom we place ourselves. It would be wise for all humans to understand at least the basics of natural laws and to keep a record of the numbers and factors that compromise our peace. Our very first unit of measure should be God’s commandments. Once we find ourselves doing something, we should ask: Does this honor God? Does it honor my parents? How will this affect my future? Be always prepared to ask yourself: Is this action, activity, or person of good nature?
“Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?” — Proverbs 6:27-28 (NKJV)
What we are not changing, we are choosing!
Be aware of people, activities, and places that represent chaos, and stay away from them. Deciding to do well is a choice, just as deciding to do nothing and remaining in chaos is also a choice. If you are a person of value, be aware that you will be attractive to those who lack what you have created and what you are. Some people can drag you out of a status of well-being and into their world of disorder and lack. Keep in mind this phrase: “When a clown moves into a castle, the clown does not become a king… The castle becomes a circus.” Do not let clowns destroy what has cost you time, hard work and strong discipline.
“When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king. The palace becomes a circus.” — Turkish Proverb
Guard your space and your mind. Remember that you have a moral obligation to honor the person you dreamed of being when you were young, to honor your well-being in the present, and to honor the person you will become when you are old. Even more importantly, you must honor God and that which is of good nature in the universe. Be aware that sometimes we feel alone, but loneliness is not necessarily a sign that you lack value; rather, it is a sign not to be ignored, telling you that you were previously surrounded by the wrong people. Some cages are built by names and people who do not want to see you growing or doing better than them. Keep in mind that one of the biggest decisions in life will be choosing your partner; that person can either help you progress and bring peace to your life, or bring worries and destroy your peace.
“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” — 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV)
We are what we do… Show me your friends and I will show you your future!
These are words that people have said in many ways through time. If you are surrounded by drunks, you will be the next one. If you are surrounded by drug addicts, you will be the next one. If you are surrounded by promiscuous people, you will be the next one. If you are surrounded by thieves or dishonest people, you will be the next one. What we tolerate today will impact our future, sometimes in ways where regret will make sure you remember your past choices—and regret is a feeling that fixes nothing.
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” — Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV)
Drive yourself with caution, and respect both yourself and your future. Some people misbehave, claiming they are young and must “live their lives,” but there is a huge difference between living your life and destroying your future. Well-being and wealth require a “STRONG CONTAINER,” and that container is built by good values, principles, discipline, and the clear ability to say “no” to that which is not true, good, or of good nature.
“Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” — Proverbs 25:28 (NKJV) (This verse speaks to the “container” concept: without the walls of discipline and self-control, a person cannot protect the wealth or well-being they have gathered.)
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” — Titus 2:12 (NKJV)
“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.'” — 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV)
A human who is not responsible will never know wellness or wealth, and freedom is not free…. And the price of freedom is responsibility.
Written by: Rhet A. Marini
