Let's Talk: me & Friends
Author: Christine S.
15 October 2004
It’s often been said, “Show me your friends and I’ll show
you your future.” Though you and your friends have your differences, when
you hang out with them you begin to rub off on each other through mannerisms,
languages, values, beliefs, attitudes, clothing styles, etc. In Proverbs
13:20 (the MSG) it says, “Become wise by walking with the wise, hang out with
fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” Again the message is echoed
by I Corinthians 15:33, (the MSG), “Don’t let yourself be poisoned” Bad
company ruins good manners.” Or in different words the NIV says, “Do
not be misled, “Bad company corrupts good character.”
In Mark 9:43 (MSG) Jesus urges us to cut out the things in our life causing
us to sin. He goes so far to say, “If your hand or your foot gets in God’s
way, chop it off and throw it away. You’re better off maimed or lame and
alive than the proud owner of two hands and two feet, godless in a furnace
of eternal fire.” It’s not wrong to have a non-Christian friend; however,
it is not good when you begin to compromise your relationship with God in order
to please a relationship with a non-Christian. It is not worthwhile to compromise
an eternal relationship for a temporary one.
Take it to the throne room; talk to God and don’t get comfortable
with an ordinary walk:
Which are more likely: that your friends are an encouragement to please God
or a temptation to compromise your faith (and relationship with God)?
Do you have at least two friends who will be holding you accountable and pointing
you to God (and you doing the same for them)? If you don’t have Christian
friends, pray that God would put some in your life. If you do, give thanks
for them and don’t take them for granted. Have you balanced your time,
so that your ungodly influence doesn’t outweigh your godly influences?
Do you need to make some adjustments so that your relationship with God isn’t
jeopardized by your social life? And if so, what are you willing to change?
