WRONG ASSOCIATIONS CAN MAKE YOU PERMIT WHAT GOD FORBADE
DATE: 19th of September 2026
AUTHOR: Evang Ademola Elemo
SERIES: GOD FORBADE IT, BUT YOU PERMITTED IT
📖 SCRIPTURE READING
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” — Amos 3:3
🕊️ MEDITATION
You may know God’s Word and still find yourself compromising because of who you allow to influence you. Sometimes the problem is not that you don’t know what God forbade. The problem is that someone around you keeps convincing you that it is acceptable. Association can influence conviction. The people around you can influence: What you consider normal. What you tolerate. What you desire. What you believe.
What you pursue. What you permit.
That is why Scripture says:
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33
The Bible is warning us not to underestimate the power of influence.
Consider Amnon.
Amnon had a sinful desire toward Tamar.
But he also had a friend named Jonadab who helped him develop a plan to satisfy that desire.
📖 2 Samuel 13:3–5
Jonadab was described as a very crafty man, and his counsel became part of the pathway that led Amnon into terrible sin. The desire was already present. But the wrong counsel helped turn the desire into action. Be careful who advises you when you are struggling with temptation. The wrong person can give you permission to do what God has forbidden.
⚠️ NOT EVERY FRIEND IS A GODLY INFLUENCE
Some people will encourage your faith. Others will encourage your flesh. Some will challenge you to become better. Others will normalize your weaknesses. Some will tell you: “This is not good for you.” Others will say: “Everybody does it.” Some will help you obey God. Others will help you justify disobedience. Therefore, you must develop spiritual discernment. Love everyone, but don’t give everyone equal access to your life.
Jesus loved multitudes, but He did not give everyone the same level of access. There were the crowds. There were the seventy. There were the twelve. There were the three. And there were moments when Jesus withdrew alone to pray.
Access must be governed by wisdom.
🔥 THE POWER OF GODLY ASSOCIATION
The opposite is also true.
Good associations can strengthen your walk with God. When Paul the Apostle met people who shared his faith and assignment, their partnership strengthened the work of the Gospel.
Barnabas was known for encouraging others.
Timothy became a trusted son in the faith.
Priscilla and Aquila helped instruct Apollos.
God can use relationships to accelerate spiritual growth.
📖 Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
The right people sharpen you. They don’t simply tell you what you want to hear. They tell you what you need to hear.
ASK YOURSELF:
When I am around this person:
Do I become more like Christ or less like Christ?
Does my faith become stronger or weaker?
Do I become more disciplined or more careless?
Do I become more obedient or more compromising?
Do I become more focused or more distracted?
These questions can reveal the influence of an association.
📌 KINGDOM TRUTHS
1. Associations Can Influence Your Character
📖 “Evil communications corrupt good manners.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33
Your environment matters.
2. Wise People Choose Their Companions Carefully
📖 “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” — Proverbs 13:20
Who you walk with can influence where you end up.
3. Godly Relationships Produce Growth
📖 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17
Choose relationships that strengthen your purpose and walk with God.
🙏 PRAYER
Heavenly Father, give me wisdom concerning the people I allow to influence my life.
Help me recognize relationships that are pulling me away from Your will.
Give me courage to establish healthy boundaries where necessary.
Bring godly people into my life who will strengthen my faith, correct me when I am wrong, and encourage me to fulfil Your purpose.
Make me a godly influence to others as well. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
📣 DECLARATIONS
I will not be deceived by ungodly influence.
I choose relationships that strengthen my walk with God.
I have wisdom to establish healthy boundaries.
I will not permit sin because of peer pressure.
I will receive godly counsel.
I will be a positive spiritual influence to others.
My relationships will not destroy my destiny.
📌 ACTION POINT FOR TODAY
Think about the five people you interact with most. Ask yourself: “What direction is this relationship taking me?” You don’t necessarily need to cut people off. But you may need to Establish boundaries, Reduce certain conversations, Stop seeking certain advice, Refuse invitations that lead to compromise.
Spend more time with people who strengthen your faith. Don’t let someone else’s weakness become your permission to disobey God.
🌟 SPECIAL INSIGHT
Sometimes the enemy doesn’t need to attack your conviction directly. He only needs to introduce someone who will normalize what God forbade. “It’s normal.” “Don’t be too serious.” “God won’t mind.” “You only live once.” “Everyone is doing it.”
But remember: Popular does not mean permissible. Common does not mean godly.
Accepted by society does not mean approved by God. Your standard must remain God’s Word.
🔥 PROPHETIC DECLARATION
I declare over your life in the mighty name of Jesus Christ:
May God expose every relationship that is secretly weakening your spiritual life.
May He give you discernment to recognize voices that encourage compromise and wisdom to know how to respond.
Every unhealthy influence pushing you toward what God has forbidden shall lose its power over your decisions.
May God surround you with people who sharpen your faith, strengthen your character, encourage your purpose, and speak truth into your life.