Because Patrick Bet-David said so!

Wake the Faith up Slayer… This is Garth Heckman with the David Alliance and you can reach me at

TDAgiantslayer@gmail.com 

 

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Patrick Bet-David sent out an email 2 weeks ago that really hit me hard. I’ll read it to you.

I was driving home from work a few years ago when a friend of mine called me to ask if I could mentor him.

He wanted to start a business, and I was like, “Sure no problem.”

So we met at a restaurant, he explained what he wanted to do, and I started challenging him on what he needed to do and what suggestions I had.

And as I was talking, I noticed a weird look on this guy’s face. 

So I asked if everything was right 

He paused for a minute and said…

“You know what Pat, I don't know why you’re challenging me so hard. I thought you were just gonna motivate me and tell me that I can do it.”

Now, why am I telling you this story, Garth?

You see, most people say they want to be successful…

But the problem is… they’re not willing to get challenged.

Most people are just looking for motivation.

 

And over the last few days it has morphed into this idea

I can’t get away from this thought…

What if you just cut away everyone in your life who was not all out for Jesus. I don’t mean You only hang with people who are super spiritual wacky, only talk about Jesus. but those who you know for a fact by the example they set, are all in it for Jesus. They witness on a regular basis, they have a consistent proven quiet time, they know their bibles, they are not easily swayed by opinions or fear or media or even their boss or circumstances… They do not look at porn, they have not had affairs, they do not gossip… they are not about the latest toys or money or reputation… they have a rock solid self esteem because they know who they are in Christ… they are proven.

So what if you cut out all of those people in your life who were not like that… 

Now let me say this… I hang around sinners, but I am now cutting out people who I know have a negative influence on me. Look there are so called Christians who for some reason I know have a negative affect on me, and again there are some non Christians who do not have a negative affect on me… but none the less

 

Now again listen to me. I am not saying you are no longer friendly, nor do you only hang out with Christians… but all of those people you talk to, hang with, do lunch with, all of those people you give an ear to WHO YOU KNOW HAVE SUCK THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OUT OF YOU AND DON’T GIVE ANY SPIRITUAL FIRE BACK…. you just don’t anymore. And more than that you take your worst influence and cut that person out as well… and who is that worst influence? Its you. So how do you cut you out… well it truly comes down to how you spend your time. Don’t allow YOU to just randomly or habitually do what you always do. You must consciously fill your time with others who fill your spiritual bucket up and overflowing. 

Here is my list of who I cut out of my life in the last few years to heighten the impact of those I have left in my life to fill. 

Jarod, Justin, Elijah, Pete, Wendy, Abby, 

Now some of these people left my circle and I just let them leave… where as before I am so loyal I would have tried to keep them around…

And there are quite a few more I have cut out just in social media and in the gym, by not wasting my time talking to them… and honestly, most of these - like 95% of them are so called Christians. But I am trying to be more like Jesus by spending time with those who are more like Jesus. 

 

 

What would your life be like right now if you had cut out all the fluff and meaningless and poor relationships in your life 3 years ago and filled your time with strong, vibrant Godly relationships? I bet if you had done this, it would be radically different. So start now.

One secret people stumble on as they mature and grow deeply in God is they realize that importance of cutting away branches that do not bear fruit in their lives. 

Jesus said in John 15 that a branch that does not bear fruit is cut off from the vine. Do you have relationships in your life that do not bear fruit… cut them off. 

And now what? Find men and mentors, find women and witnesses that are strong in the faith. check out other bible studies, other church services, ask around and find out who is the real deal when it comes to understanding the heart of God. Yes we are trying to win people to Christ… and that is my number one priority, but it does not mean I have to fill my life and my time with those who are not completely sold out and or leave a bad taste in my spiritual life. 

 

“Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance” (Prov 14:7-9).