It is a common saying that “we become like those whose company we keep.” This is true in the highest sense of those who “keep company” with the Lord Jesus. They become like Him: they reflect His character. As they walk in His company, day by day, “with open face beholding His glory,” they “are changed into the same image” (2 Cor. 3:1818But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18)). As they listen to His voice, and follow in His steps, others take knowledge of them that they have “been with Jesus.”
Thus it was with Moses, after he had been forty days and forty nights on the mount, alone with God. He came down among the people, his face shing with the glory of God. Others saw it, and knew where he had been. So it is with some now. When you meet them, there is something so Christ-like about them. Their words, though few, are full of blessing; their very spirits savor of the presence of Jesus. We know easily where they dwell, and whose company they keep.
Like ships bearing spices from afar, their savor points them out; they do not need to advertise themselves. The same principle holds good of our companions. We become like them.
What a blessing many a young believer has found in a truly godly companion, one who has lived near to God, and whose aim in life was to lead others into “the secret place.” Seek such a companion, dear young believer.
But there is another side to this. A carnal worldly believer can drag a spiritual one down to his own level, if he keeps company with him, and how often this is done. How many once-bright and happy saints have been led into backsliding through keeping company with foolish talkers, and light, flippant professors?
Shun the company of such, and seek the companionship of Christ.
ML 05/27/1945