Birds of a Feather Flock Together!

by Creflo Dollar


Have you ever heard the saying, "Birds of a feather flock together?" It is a common saying based on a biblical principle about friendships and associations. First Corinthians 15:33 says it more clearly: "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character" (New International Version). You are absolutely affected and influenced by the people you spend time with. That is why it is necessary to make wise decisions when choosing friends. Friends can be a blessing or a curse. Choosing the right associates will empower you to succeed; but choosing the wrong ones will have serious negative consequences.

God wants us to exercise wisdom in all our decisions, including our choices of associations. His Word gives us specific guidelines as to how to make wise choices where friends are concerned. Second Corinthians 6:14 - 18 tells us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. To be unequally yoked means that your relationship is imbalanced. In friendships there is fellowship-an equal imparting into one another; and each person is affected by the impartation the other gives. However, when a Christian is yoked with an unbeliever, it is likely that he or she will be influenced by the behavior of the non-Christian, and God does not want Christians to be connected with anyone that will compromise their walk with Him. And most of the time, your unsaved friends will be more successful in separating you from God than you will be at winning them to God.

There is power in separation. That's why God called us to be separate from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17). He wants us to love unbelievers; however, He does not want us to become yoked or joined with them. When you are yoked with someone, you become one with him or her. God does not want us to become one with people whose lifestyles oppose His Word.

I often say, if you want to know who a person really is, take a close look at his friends. Your identity is determined by the company you keep. If things are not going well in your life, it's probably time to take a step back and examine your associations. The people you fellowship with shape your thoughts and actions. It may be that those friendships are causing your downfall.

Psalm 1:1 - 3 says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." God intends for you to flourish and wants you to grow through godly relationships. The key is to seek His guidance as you develop friendships.

To develop successful friendships you must make the Word of God your final authority and establish guidelines or standards for your associations. Christianity that has no standards will lead to destruction. Allow God to be the center of every friendship and be sure your friends are edifying you and making you a better person. This is God's will for friendships (Proverbs 27:17). I encourage you to evaluate all your relationships. Ask God to show you which ones to keep and which ones to sever. Ultimately Jesus is the best friend you will ever have. He is the friend that sticks closer than any brother, and He will never leave or forsake you.