DON’T RANDOMIZE ASSOCIATIONS

Acts 18:3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.

When Paul found Aquila and Priscilla beyond their belief in God, which was key to the relationship and served as the foundation, ‘they were also tent makers’. So there was clear reason for Paul to feel at home in their company and he chose them for that reason.

We cannot stumble blindly into associations, we have to choose them. There has to be an alignment of purpose or interest with every association because there is an opportunity for iron to sharpen iron. In associations, we can tap into the skill sets of others -what do they do differently and how can we learn from them?

In some ways, you could think of key criteria in relationships as “mutually beneficial”, and this does not necessarily mean contributing the same level of value. However, you could think of it in a sense as transactional, thus bringing back the question Peter asked Jesus ‘we who have left all and followed you, what’s in it for us? That is a central part of determining if associations are valid and worthwhile – what is the gain?

Associations should in the very least, add to you, whether in virtue, in resource. If they take from you, they should take away weak points and wrong mindsets. The reason is this “

You cannot pitch camp with those who reinforce only your weaknesses. You will end up nowhere”

#sly