This thought was on my mind the other day. Do we actually believe we are better off because of the company we keep? What I realized, is that for women of faith, we absolutely must know who we are drawn to be with, and why.
As I have further sought clarity on this question I was reminded of Peter. Peter was asked outright if he was not the one who had been with Jesus. We all know that at the time he denied this as being true, but later he not only regretted his show of cowardice, he went out of his way to demonstrate that he would not be silent about his association with Jesus. Of course, we can assume that the Holy Spirit had a lot to do with that outward show of strength. Following Pentecost all in the upper room were forever changed by God’s Spirit.
Peter is someone that is often described as a gruff, uneducated fisherman, who just couldn’t seem to get out of his own way. Yet, we see in Scripture enough times where Jesus did not turn him away. Rebuking seemed to do the trick, and then Peter pulled himself together. Jesus continued to love Peter though all those difficult times when he spoke out of his flesh.
There is no denying that you and I are better because of Who we serve. The time that we spend reading God’s Word, praying, and seeking fellowship with other believers, is never time wasted. It is what we all know as iron sharpening iron.
We are called to be salt and light. A light that brings Jesus into sharper focus for others, and the salt that is used to enhance the flavors of those around us. Through our association with Jesus, we maintain our saltiness and our light shines bright for all to see, never to be hidden from those who are seeking to know Him.
Acts 4:13 CSB When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.