Audit Your Associations

The second essential for the new year is your associations. You must realise that you will never rise beyond your level of association and your immediate circle. Peer pressure is not just for teenagers; there is adult peer pressure as well. An eagle living with chickens will never be inspired to fly; they will believe your aspirations are "too much."

We must be discerning and look at the fruit of our relationships. You must ask: Do my friends know my prophetic purpose? Consider Jonathan, who knew God's purpose for David, saying, "You will be king over Israel and I’ll be next to you." Yet, Jonathan remained too emotionally attached to his father, Saul, and died a terrible death with him.

You must be careful not to become too emotionally attached to relationships you know God is not involved in, or you will bear the consequences with them.

Furthermore, look at the effect of Jonadab, a shrewd and cunning man whose counsel led Amnon to commit rape, bringing disaster to David's lineage. Never think you are too big to be influenced; the law of association works.

Your relationships should be transgenerational, built on purpose, not merely transactional, based on what you currently have.

Suggested Action

Conduct a thorough audit of your five closest relationships. If they do not value what you value (e.g., integrity, academics, marriage), create intentional space in the new year.