CHILDREN are seldom misanthropists, that is, those who shun their fellow creatures, and love to be alone. They are likely to love company too much; and are too often enjoying companionship when they should he otherwise occupied, alone.
The Scriptures contain many bright examples of companionship. David and Jonathan in the Old Testament were knit together by human affection; Paul and Timothy in the New Testament, by divine affection.
Most dear children who read "Messages of Love" know that there is a heavenly family as well as an earthly one. Divine love takes in all the children of God; that is, he who is saved loves all the saved ones, because they are the children of one Father —God.
"I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts."
Paul mentions Epaphroditus as "my brother, and companion in labor" (Phil. 2:2525Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. (Philippians 2:25)). And again, John, addressing the seven churches which are in Asia, tells them, "I, John who also am your brOther, and companion in tribulation." These are all sweet instances of companionship.
My little readers perhaps have often heard—
"O 'tis sweet, each other aiding,
In companionship to move,
One desire each heart pervading,
One our faith, our hope, our love."
While this association of Christians is beautiful, and will be perpetuated in heaven, there is another kind of companionship. Listen to what God says.
"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Proverbs 13:2020He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20). And again He through the wise man tells us in chap. 28:7,
"Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father."
Dear children often think it is of no great matter what companions they have. God thinks otherwise: again, He says,
"Evil communications—corrupt good manners." I Cor. 15:33. A child is known by the company he keeps, for, "How can two walk together except they be agreed?" We grow, insensibly, like those with whom we associate.
"I am a companion of all them that fear Thee" was spoken by the Lord Jesus to His Father; and it is so beautiful, is it not?
The disciples, who had been so much with their Master, became so much like Him that the high priest and others before whom they were brought, wondered at them, and "they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:1313Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)).
This same Peter, sad to say, when he was a companion of those in the judgment hall some time before, became very much like them, and even said that he did not know his Master!
How many a dear child has been ruined by ungodly companions! See to it then, dear reader, that, in the first place, you have Christ as your Saviour; and next, that you have godly companions. And if at any time you are tempted to walk with any who are not so, remember the words of Jehovah,
Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1932