05/05/2017 - WHO ARE YOU PARTNERING WITH?

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Therefore do not be partakers with them. Ephesians 5.7

Paul, the apostle, was used by God to reveal something important to the church in Ephesus, stating that those who were living immoral lives should not partake with the children of God. A partner is someone who fellowships with us and somehow also influences our behavior. We should not abandon the lost for we need to evangelize them, but we are forbidden to become friends with them.

As a matter of fact, every child of God must imitate the Creator. He loves everyone and instructs all that are living in evil to repent and avoid being cast in exterior darkness (Mt 25.30). However, this mission cannot be fulfilled by us if we have a superiority attitude. On the contrary, we should be filled with passion, because the goal is to lead them to the knowledge of the Truth. The Lord wants to enlighten the sinners so they can be saved.

The holy people should walk in the love of God, not being inclined to any works from Hell. The message to the people living in error should be exhorted. If they continue to practice iniquity before the Lord they will be forever lost. Whoever leaves this world without being reconciled with the Father will be cast into the lake that burns forever with fire and sulfur.

It is wrong to avoid speaking to the non-believers. We should look for them not to turn them into our companions, but to wake them from the sinful sleep they are in, have them believe in Jesus and become faithful to Him. We can transmit the love of God both through words and actions. Therefore, once they are saved, they can become our partners. 

Our true partners should be the servants of the Lord that lived in the past, and the ones that are alive today, for we have many things to learn from them. Without a doubt, the examples left by our heroes in the Bible are worthy of being followed. However, we cannot follow the actions of those who still need to obey the Lord. The right thing to do is to zeal for the commitment we have made and have Jesus as our only standard.

What about walking like Abraham, who left his land and went to the place where the Lord took him? He surely has things to teach us. In the same way Isaac, his son, whose fear of the Lord held Jacob from lifting his hand upon Laban when his own salary had been changed for over ten times. Besides, Jacob himself was faithful to God in everything, that is why he was chosen to become the person from whom the savior would descend. 

Today, there are many other servants who can be chosen as our partners. The example left by the saints will help us get closer to God, and fulfill our calling without backsliding. The main goal is to walk with the Heavenly Father, enjoy His presence and stay away from evil. Believe, for God will show you His real servants.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares