If true relationships are the things that keep our spiritual homes happy, then how do we classify those relationships that do not fall into that category? Let's look at associates. Associates are:
One associated with another: as a : partner, colleague b : companion, comrade (Webster.com)
or,
A person who has some dealings with another, possibly a friend. Often used for business partners (Wikipedia)
Continuing with the analogy of the home and structure, I would label associates as those who hang out in the front yard. You pass them everyday on your way in and out of your home. As you strive to fulfill your purpose in life, they can help you and add to your cheerfulness as our lawn and plants do when they are well-groomed. Or, they can bring you down, distract you and get you off track when they are brown and dying. Remember, they are not a part of the integral structure of your home and they are definitely not a part of its foundation.
Associates are usually only wedded to you or your success if it coincides with their interests and goals. So, don't take them inside your home. Bringing something into the home that's not suppose to be there can be detrimental. It's cheaper to replace the lawn if its dying than it is to repair structural damage .
A man of many companions may come to ruin... Proverb 18:24 (New International Version)
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