Choosing Your Team Wisely  (adapted from Making Life Work by Bill Hybels)

Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”  Whom we select to work alongside us in our companies is critical.  For example, if we want to walk more closely with God, we should put ourselves under the influence of people who make spiritual disciplines a priority.  Just as wise work associates can help us, foolish colleagues can ruin us.  Their folly can seep into our lives and taint our desires and goals.  Their faulty moral compasses can steer us off course.  “Do not be misled,” says I Corinthians 15:33, “bad company corrupts good character.”  Be careful the company you keep.

If we are committed to following God’s path and growing in wisdom, then we should intentionally surround ourselves with people who exhibit those qualities. 

Proverbs 6:16-19 gives us some wonderful advice about the type of people we should NOT invite to be a part of our team.  Who are these people?  They are men and women who exhibit these traits:

“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.”

We must not allow a person who exhibits any of the above characteristics to have a position of influence in our lives (on or off the job). 

Haughty Eyes

This refers to someone with an attitude of superiority.  Proverbs 16:18 declares “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  Do you want companions headed for destruction?

Lying Tongue

Don’t have someone on your team who is loose with the truth.  Remember, we tend to become like the ones we hang around with. 

Hands that Shed Innocent Blood

This goes beyond physical violence.  This extends to anyone who takes advantage of those who are weak or powerless.  Steer clear of people who like to throw their weight around and tend to devalue others.  Their insensitivity can rub off on you.

Hearts that Devise Wicked Schemes

Be wary of those that can design and implement a shady scheme and then justify it in rational terms.  Keep your distance from those that can live with their own deceitful ways. 

False Witness

This warning speaks against those that have slandering tongues.  Don’t surround yourself with people who are quick to pass on damaging information or are unable to keep sensitive information confidential.  This is not a safe person to have around. 

He Who Spreads Strife

This type of person tends to nurse grudges, has a chronically unforgiving spirit, and loves to stir the pots of conflict.  Proverbs 16:28 states, “A perverse man spreads strife.”  Such a person delights in dwelling on disputes and alienating friends.  Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”  Who do you want on your team, peacemakers or those that spread strife? 

The Key

Why be so concerned about those that surround your life?  Remember, Proverbs 13:20 tells us, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”  Don’t surround yourself with the wrong kinds of people.  We need to walk with wise and godly people.  Who are these wise people?  They are the opposite of the people described in this Weekly Insight.  They are people whose character represents the flip side of the seven traits that are “detestable to God.” 

I’m In Trouble

At this point you may say, “I can’t control the people I work with.”  I’m not the Owner or CEO, etc.  That’s very true.  So work diligently on the friendships you do have control over.  Choose your friends wisely.  Does it sound good to be surrounded by a little band of people with humble souls and honest words and serving hands and pure hearts and listening ears and reconciling spirits?  Then actively pursue significant relationships with these wise people.   

Take the Initiative

If you want life to work for you, you need to put together a personal development team.  You need to surround yourself with godly people who can challenge you and encourage you.  Where to start?  Begin to spend time where people like that live and work and play and go to church.  Then be willing to make the first move.  Begin conversations.  Issue invitations.  Perhaps one or two or three of the people you meet will become lifelong friends.  What a wonderful feeling to go through life with a few wise people who really know you and love you. 

Keith 

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