SURROUNDED: Who and what we choose to be around has lifelong implications.

Who and what we are surrounded with does two distinct things.
• It propels and pushes us. Empowers us. Helps foster the best in us.
• It hinders us. Thwarts our growth. We find ourselves stagnant and eventually drifting backwards. Brings out the worst in us.

OPENING SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

NIV it says it corrupts good CHARACTER. It affects the core of you! Your character. Your behavior. Your thoughts.

Definition of character: the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves.

• Your surroundings matter. They affect your health. “One bad apple ruins the bunch?”
• That’s what unhealthy surroundings, connections, patterns, habits can do to us. After time…our character changes.

God designed us to flourish. To blossom. To live out our lives to our highest capacity! But it’s up to US to make sure we are in an environment where that can happen.

Ephesians 1:18
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.

• Who has a seat at your table? Who have YOU invited into the table of your life?
• There’s not room for many in each of our tables. Who have you invited into that close space?
• Maybe even classify them as a best friend or one you confide in. One that gets a lot of your attention and conversations and time.
• That’s what we want to reflect on today. How’s the rest of the table of your life? You are in 1 chair. Who would you say belong in the other chairs?

Proverbs 12:26
The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

What could be some “surroundings” that could have impact in our lives?
Job Family Friends Ourselves Our free time

• When we’re inventorying our surroundings we need to include “non people” things too.
• A show, a music artist that you listen to constantly. A mindset.
• Are you they pushing you towards your best capacity? Are they healthy things in your life?

Here’s another element to consider.

• Seasons change! And that’s not a bad thing!
• We don’t want to let go of a season for many reasons: Comfort. Loneliness. Fear.

What used to be healthy for us can shift. Don’t fear. He sees a picture we don’t see and if He’s speaking to you about a situation or surrounding…..listen.

Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”, declares the Lord.9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

SEASONS SHIFT. What used to be healthy for them actually became a danger to them.

Are there people or places or things in your life that even though it might have been good at one time, is no longer healthy for you?

• Develop some distance and boundaries.

God is able to restore! Heal! Bring new life again. Our part is placing ourselves in healthy environments again.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

• We can develop and flourish and shine to the highest potential God designed. By staying closely connected to HIM.
• The source of health. By listening to His voice when He’s telling us that some surroundings are not good for us and will eventually cause harm to us. Trust Him. Be careful who’s “at your table.”

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm (Proverbs 13:20).

CONCLUSION
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?