Companions Influence Us

We see many believers who have not grown past infancy because their constant companions are superficial people, and often ungodly family members.

When we compare ourselves with ourselves, we will not see what needs to change, we will seem better than those we spend time with.

However if we compare ourselves with Christ and His standards then we see continual need for growth. We find there is nothing to be proud of in us.

2 Corinthians 10:12 - "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

Man's Tradition or God's Commandments?

Mark 7:6-13

"6 And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

‘This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far away from Me.

7 ‘But in vain do they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’

8 Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”

9 He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. 

10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, is to be put to death’; 

11 but you say, ‘If a man says to hisfather or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, givento God),’ 

12 you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; 

13 thusinvalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”