The Company You Keep Shapes Your Flight

“There is a choice that you have to make, in everything you do. So keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make, makes you.” — Anonymous (quoted in John Wooden’s My Personal Best)

Every choice we make shapes our future, but few choices are as influential as who we allow into our inner circle. Relationships are not neutral—they either push us forward or pull us back.

Relationships: A Biblical Perspective

The Bible is rich with wisdom about the power of relationships:

• “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
• “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
• “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)

These verses echo the same truth: the people around you are shaping your thinking, your choices, and your destiny.

If you walk with encouragers, truth-tellers, and wise guides, you’ll grow in wisdom and strength. If you walk with those who drain you, mock your purpose, or lead you astray, your talent may never reach its full potential.

Encouragers vs. Drainers

Think of your relationships in two broad categories:

• Encouragers: They build up your faith, remind you of your gifts, and point you back to God’s promises when you falter. Like iron sharpening iron, they bring out your best self.
• Drainers: They discourage, distract, or even deliberately pull you away from what is good. Time spent here can feel like pouring water into a leaking bucket—your energy seeps out, leaving you depleted.

Even Jesus modeled this principle. Though He loved the crowds, He chose to spend most of His time with twelve disciples, and within that circle, He invested especially in Peter, James, and John. Jesus was intentional about where He gave His deepest energy.

Why It Matters for Your Talent and Success

Talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. It needs the right environment—much like a seed needs fertile soil. When you are surrounded by those who encourage, sharpen, and guide you, your talent can flourish. When you are surrounded by the wrong influences, it struggles to take flight.

• Encouragers expand your faith. They remind you of God’s vision for your life.
• Wise companions refine your character. They challenge you to live with integrity.
• Positive relationships anchor your resilience. They help you endure when life is tough.

Without this, even the strongest gifts risk being stunted.

A Practical Invitation for This Week

1. Reflect: Who are the people that consistently lift you closer to your God-given potential? Who drains you, distracts you, or pulls you from your path?
2. Realign: Strengthen ties with those who add value and encourage you. Begin setting gentle but firm boundaries with those who drain you.
3. Pray: Ask God to surround you with wise, uplifting companions and to give you discernment in choosing your company.

Closing Thought

Your future is deeply connected to the relationships you nurture today. Choose companions who add value, encourage you, and sharpen your character. Protect your heart from those who would clip your wings.

Because, as Scripture reminds us, your company shapes your character, and your character shapes your destiny.

This is the first step in our series “Relationships That Build You Up.”
Next time, we’ll explore how to recognize and cultivate life-giving friendships that endure through every season.