Are We In Agreement?
Today’s Passages – Amos 1 – 5; Proverbs 22
(Second Milers also read – 1 John 5 – Jude; Memorize – Philippians 3:10)
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)
The context of verse 3 above deals with both the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and how they have chosen to live contrary to the principle of the Word of God. They have become immoral and idolatrous. They have become enamored with the cultures of the heathen nations around them. God tells them here that He cannot walk with these people because they are not in agreement.
I have often quoted this verse when preaching, particularly while speaking on matters of separation. How is it that the professing Christian today feels so comfortable walking alongside the people of the world, who do not know Christ? There must be agreement in order for their to be fellowship. Now, I can walk alongside anybody for a short distance. I will have to work at times with people who are not Christians; and hopefully, I will walk along with a lost man for a time trying to persuade him to trust Christ. Jesus walked and ate with some lost people at times in order to reach them. But, I do not think that this verse is talking about casual, purposeful, or limited contact with the lost world around us. It is talking about true communion. God cannot commune with people who have forsaken Him; and we should not be comfortable running with people who are not in fellowship with Him either.
Christian, be careful who you run with. Surround yourself with people who are going to influence you positively, encouraging your walk with God. Stay away from the gossips who have “the goods” on everybody else. Avoid those who are always negative: who desire to tear everything down, instead of building things up. Run with people who have the same doctrine and standards that you have. My preacher used to say, “You are, or soon will be, who you hang around.” I want to run with people who will cause me to do right and grow in the Lord. Just a thought!
At our church we have just completed a marvelous series of meetings that God has used to revive His people. Many of our folks are excited. Their cups are literally overflowing with the joy of the Lord; and they are ready to charge the gates of hell with a squirt gun. But if they are not careful, they will start walking along with people who are not excited; people who are negative, scoffers, and gainsayers. What do you think is going to happen to all of the zeal that God gave them in the revival meetings? Be careful that you run with people that are going to encourage, challenge, and edify you to move forward for the Lord.
Posted in Thoughts from Amos by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
My devotional this week is on Amos 3:3, but also on other scriptures where believers walked in agreement for good. I found scriptures where people walked in hostility toward the Lord in disobedience. As a seasoned believer I also will walk shortly with someone but will not allow a co dependency to develop, because people must be co dependent on Jesus…He, our Savior, does not suffer emotional bankruptcy. I declare my total dependency on Him for guidance. There are lazy Christians out there who refuse to pick up the Bible and read. There is the Spirit of Truth and there is the spirit of error. I can point people in the right direction, its up to them to seek the face of our Savior. His yoke is easy His burden light. I refuse to yoke up with someone’s guilt trip when they say “iron sharpens iron”. When that Christian quotes it to manipulate others to feel sorry for him because he has been caught in his sin or is in habitual practice of fellowship with outsiders. We have a choice: Soar with Eagles in the Holy Spirit upon the Breath of God anew….Or flutter with bats in darkness of deception. Thank you for posting this devotional.